LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Trojans battled through disallowed goals and physical play to earn their first conference win of the season, a 2-0 victory over Southern Illinois–Edwardsville, extending their unbeaten streak at home. Senior goalkeeper
Peyton Urban made seven saves and recorded her 17th career shutout, setting a new program record.
Little Rock (1-0-2) secured its first conference win after opening league play with back-to-back draws, while SIUE fell to 0-2-1. The Trojans now sit third in the Ohio Valley Conference standings, while the Cougars dropped to ninth.
Game Flow
Under a sunny sky, both teams battled for possession in a scoreless first half, with neither able to hold the ball for more than 20 seconds at a time. Little Rock threatened first when sophomore
Maria Schuller slipped past the defense and fired a shot that was saved by the keeper. Minutes later, senior
Amaya Arias tested SIUE's back line, but her attempt was blocked. The Trojans also had a goal called back for offside, keeping the teams locked in a 0-0 halftime draw.
After the break, Little Rock controlled possession and finally broke through. Schuller delivered a cross to senior
Serenity Thake, who struck from outside the box for her first goal of the season and fourth of her Trojan career.
SIUE increased the pressure and appeared to score, but the goal was called off for offside. Little Rock responded with a quick counter, leading to a free kick by junior
Candice Kilderry that struck the post. Junior
Megan Rogan followed up and scored, giving the Trojans a 2-0 lead with roughly 25 minutes remaining. The Cougars pushed late, but Little Rock held firm to close out the win.
Post-Game
The victory gave
Peyton Urban her 17th career shutout, surpassing the previous program record of 16 set by Jane Picarelli from 2007 to 2010.
"I didn't know I would get to this point in my career. On Senior Day, when they were reading those minutes played, it was surreal," Urban said. "But it's not just me back there, it's my back line from freshman year to now. I wouldn't have 17 shutouts without them. As much as it's my record, it's also their record, and I'm really happy about it."
Head coach
Kelly Farrell praised the team's performance and the first OVC shutout of the season.
"I think they rose to the challenge. I asked them previously to be a bit more intentional and braver with their defending out of the back, and I think we did that, so I'm really proud of them today," Farrell said.
Other standouts included freshman
Emily Nahon, sophomore
Jetney Cook, and
Amaya Arias, who each played all 90 minutes and helped control possession and defend effectively.
Up Next
Little Rock's next game will be at home next Sunday, Oct. 5, to face Southern Indiana in the Trojans' Hometown Heroes match.
For the latest information on Little Rock Soccer, check out LRTrojans.com. You can also follow the team on social media at @LittleRockSOC on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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