BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University Cardinals gave the defending Southland Conference regular-season champion Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks all they could handle before dropping a 1-0 decision to SFA at the LU Soccer Complex on Friday night.
 
"It always hurts to lose, but I was really proud of the way we played tonight," LU coach Orlando Cervantes said. "I thought we played a tremendous second half. We had our chances, but couldn't find a way to score."
 
Despite the loss, it was a bounce-back effort for the Cardinals, who dropped a 6-1 decision at Central Arkansas on Sunday.
 
"We had a bad game at Central Arkansas, but we watched the video and corrected some things," Cervantes said. "We got back to playing the type of soccer we are capable of."
 
LU (6-7-0 overall, 2-2-0 Southland) had a 7-4 advantage in shots over SFA (4-6-1, 3-0-1) after intermission, but only one of those shots was on goal. The Cardinals were either high or wide with their other shots.
 
"We did a good job of creating chances in the second half, but we have to finish," Cervantes said. "But I can't ask our team to play any harder. If we play like this the rest of the season, we're going to win games."
 
SFA's Rachel Owens got the game's only goal as she converted a pass from Amanda Doyle at the 28:28 mark of the first half, as the Ladyjacks capitalized on a failed LU clearing attempt.
 
"I thought it could have been a foul, but it wasn't called," Cervantes said. "We let up for a second to complain about the call, and SFA took advantage of it. That's what good teams do, they punish your for your mistakes."
 
LUY goalkeeper Lauren Lovejoy, who had no chance on the goal, had a stellar night for the Cardinals, making seven saves, six of those in the first half.
 
Patricia Lauritzen had four shots for the Cardinals, including LU's only shot on goal.
 
Lillie Ehlert picked up the shutout for SFA.
 
The Cardinals return to action at 1 p.m. Sunday when they host Sam Houston State at the LU Soccer Complex. The Bearkats (6-4-1, 3-1-0) claimed a 2-1 double-overtime win at McNeese State on Friday night.
 
"We know we have another tough game on Sunday," Cervantes said. "We have to be ready from the beginning."
 
The Kona Ice truck will be at Sunday's game, giving LU fans the opportunity to eat the heat by purchasing flavored shaved ice. All Junior Cardinal Club members will receive a free order of shaved ice. In addition, Big Red, the official mascot of LU athletics, will be on hand for photo opportunities.