Trojans Finish Level with UCA in Opening Match

CONWAY, ARK.- Arola Aparicio Gili scores her first goal of the season in Little Rock's opening match, but the game would finish in a 1-1 draw in the first contest of the Governor's I-40 Showdown with the University of Central Arkansas.
 
"This is a tough place to play," said Head Coach Mark Foster. "We had the added pressure, a good pressure, of the Governor's I-40 Showdown. I thought the girls handled everything really well. I'm absolutely delighted with them. We scored a great goal and I had a feeling we could have scored another couple. Both sides feel they could've won it, but in the end a draw was probably a fair result."
 
The first 20 minutes of the match featured fairly even possession between the two teams. The Bears managed to create some scoring chances, but Natalee Geren was there to make some vital tackles and Sara Johannsdottir remained composed between the posts as she calmly made three consecutive saves for the Trojans.
 
Maeve Burger tested the keeper with a long-range effort in the 33^rd minute but UCA's Lauren Mercuri was there to make the stop. Possession and shots were equal as the teams would head into halftime with the score level at 0-0.
 
The Trojans scored their first goal of the season and gained a 1-0 advantage in the 49^th minute when the ball was dribbled down the left touchline and crossed into the box by Nora Hellmers. Doro Greulich managed to beat the defenders to the ball before squaring it across the byline to Aparicio Gili who delivered a first-time finish into the back of the net.
 
UCA quickly leveled the score at 1-1 in the 57^th minute through Connie Awuku-Darkoh coming on an assist from Camille Bassett. The Bears created a rapid scoring opportunity before the ball was crossed to the back post and the UCA forward was right in front of goal to tap it in.
 
The final 30 minutes of regular play did not involve many clear scoring chances, however the Bears put a ball in the back of the net only to find out their attacker was offside.
 
UCA nearly found another goal in the first overtime period, but were flagged offside once again.
 
The Trojans will play their home opener on Sunday, Aug. 19 at 1 p.m. against Kentucky. The Maroon Mob will be providing food trucks for the event. Kona ice and the Pep Band will also be making an appearance at the Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex.
 

#LittleRocksTeam