BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University Cardinals played host to Sam Houston for another hard-fought battle against old foes under the lights at the LU Soccer Complex. A rematch of last year's conference tournament, the Cardinals exacted revenge on SHSU, 2-1.
As expected, it was a well-played game with both teams showing signs of strong pressing on the attack, and good defensive recoveries. It wasn't until the 17th minute when the deadlock was broken. Eva Karen found the ball coming towards her from a Bearkat clearance and from outside of the box, she stepped up and placed a lovely right-footed curled shot into the top right corner of the goal, leaving the goalkeeper unable to get anywhere near it.
Unfortunately, the Sam Houston Bearkats were fast to respond, finding themselves with an equalizer within minutes of Big Red's opening goal. LU didn't let their heads drop, they remained strong and started to regain control of the game. Holding the ball well and switching the ball across the field, trying to find a way in behind the Bearkats' backline. Each time LU managed to break through, the Bearkats held strong and regained possession.
Into the second half, it didn't take long at all for freshman Isela Ramirez to get herself on the scoresheet, after meeting a well-executed pass through from Kaisa Juvonen, Ramirez found herself through on goal, with just the keeper to beat, and calm as ever, Ramirez slotted the ball underneath the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
What followed was more of the same for the Cardinals. With LU back on the upper hand of the game, they had to hold onto that 2-1 lead firmly with both hands, and that is exactly what they did. A slight switch up in the formation meant that they could control the game from the back, with the showing of a good range of passing, which helped them attack further up the pitch and put pressure to breakdown the Bearkat defense. Combined with a solid defensive hold up, LU prohibited the Bearkats from getting through the defensive line in onto goal.
The Cardinals had many charges towards the end of the game, with Juana Plata and Carina Leal causing trouble running down the wings and deep into the Bearkat half, but SHSU's defense prevented the Cards from extending their lead. A final score of 2-1 to LU, meant they improved their Western Athletic Conference Record to 2-1-1.
On the night the Cardinals were outshot 15(10) – 13(7). Goalkeeper Nicole Panis provided some fantastic saves helping keep Big Red in the lead (LU saves 9/Bearkats – 5). The referee gave out 12 foul cautions to each side throughout the game, with four Cardinals finding themselves with yellow cards.
Next up for LU, will be a match up with UTRGV, this will be the third match up between these two programs in their history. They share one win each. The game is slated for a 7 p.m. kick off from the LU Soccer Complex Saturday.
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