LITTLE ROCK- The Trojans suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to SEC opponent Kentucky as Wildcat midfielder Hollie Olding netted the game-winning goal in the second overtime period.
The game-winning moment and Olding's second goal of the game came on an impressive half volley after the ball was played into the box by Eva Mitchell. The goal would give Kentucky their second win in as many games.
The Trojans were first to get on the board in the 30
th minute when
Doro Greulich played a through ball to
Arola Aparicio Gili. A Wildcat defender misplayed her attempt at an interception and Aparicio Gili was there to quickly pounce on the loose ball in the box. She calmly slotted it into the back of the net to give Little Rock a 1-0 advantage.
Despite Kentucky's advantage in the shot column (19-9), the Trojans were extremely effective with the counterattack, creating great goal-scoring opportunities throughout the match.
Kentucky equalized shortly after halftime when a Hikari Yamada cross found the head of Olding to draw level at 1-1.
Little Rock would quickly respond to take a 2-1 lead less than six minutes after conceding the equalizer when Aparicio Gili made a forceful run down the right touchline and threaded a ball to Greulich. This time it was the German midfielder who found the back of the net after faking out a defender and blasting a left-footed shot into the right side of the net.
Just as the Trojans felt they were going to leave the pitch victorious, they conceded a penalty in the 83
rd minute. Kentucky's Yuuka Kurosaki stepped up to the spot and gave the Wildcats yet another equalizer to send the game to overtime.
After a scoreless first overtime period, the Wildcats found their winner halfway through the final period to give themselves a deserved victory.
Little Rock will return to action Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. when they travel to Springfield, Mo. to take on Missouri State in another non-conference matchup.
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