NACOGDOCHES, Texas – After playing 89:41 of scoreless soccer Sunday afternoon, Lamar University took a knife in the back when Stephen F. Austin netted the game's lone goal with 18 seconds remaining in the contest. The setback was just LU's second conference loss of the season (7-7-1/4-2-1 WAC).
 
The goal came off the foot of Carly Wyatt who played a deflection which spun right to her as she unleashed the shot. Junior goalkeeper Nicole Panis dove to put a hand on the ball but it wasn't enough to stop the momentum as it rolled into the net.
 
"This is a heartbreaker for sure, but we know we played well enough to win," said LU head coach Steve Holeman. "This was two really good teams going at it and it could've gone either way."
 
The Cardinals were outshot but by only one (15-14), but it was the Red and White that had the advantage in attempts on goal, 9-8. Big Red also gained a 9-2 advantage on corner kicks.
 
"If we had been outshot by a wide margin and dominated on the field, this would be a different story," said Holeman. "The majority of the time we know if we get 14 shots and nine corners in a game we're going to score a couple of goals. Give credit to SFA, they defended really well all afternoon. Our girls put a lot into this game. When you play like we did today most of the time you will come out on top and our team knows that.
 
"We still have a lot to play for. Other than SFA, no team has clinched a playoff spot. We just have to keep competing," added Holeman.
 
The Cardinals were called for eight fouls while SFA was whistled for seven.
 
Panis played all 90 minutes in goal recording seven saves.
 
The Cardinals will wrap up the current three-game road swing Saturday with a 7 p.m. game at UT Rio Grande Valley.