RUSTON, La. – A goal by
Jana Heinen in the 55th minute helped energize Little Rock after falling behind 2-0, and the Trojans had some chances down the stretch but couldn't net the equalizer in a 2-1 loss at Louisiana Tech Sunday afternoon.
"The first part of the game we played very well and competed well , but had a mental slip up which led to two quick goals," said head coach
Mark Foster. "At halftime we picked ourselves up and played our best soccer of the season. Jana got a header off a free kick and the rest of the game we had some great chances but couldn't get the equalizer."
The match opened up evenly with both Little Rock and Louisiana Tech putting a pair of shots on net in the opening 25 minutes. The Lady Techsters took advantage of a pair of Trojan miscues late in the first half, netting goals in both the 33rd and 43rd minutes to take the 2-0 lead into intermission.
Little Rock came out efficient in the second half as all four of the Trojans' shots were on goal, including the header off the free kick by Heinen in the 55th minute.
Julia Edholm,
Mariella Stephens and
Skylar Garner each had chances in the final 45 minutes, but three saves by the Louisiana Tech goalkeeper kept the Trojans from tallying the equalizer.
The Lady Techsters held an 11-6 edge in shots, but both teams put five shots on goal.
Allison Morrison added a first half shot on goal for Little Rock with
Fanney Einarsdottir credited with the assist on Heinen's goal.
Defensively, goalkeeper
Paige Henry registered three saves with just the two goals allowed in 90 minutes of action. Morrison played all 90 minutes on the day for Little Rock with
Natalee Geren (89),
Sofia Karlholm (87), Stephens (86), Edholm (82) and Einasdottir (81) each logging over 80 minutes of action.
"This was a game where I felt we deserved a draw, but the most important thing this time of the year is performances. We'll take a lot of confidence out of our second half performance and if we play like that in conference play, we'll have a chance to make some noise."
Little Rock closes out its road swing Tuesday, traveling to Jackson, Mississippi, to take on Jackson State. Opening draw against the Tigers is set for 1 p.m. at the JSU Soccer Complex.
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