BEAUMONT, Texas – Freshman Isela Ramirez fired a shot from inside the box with less than 10 seconds on the clock which appeared to be batted away off a defender's hand, but there was no call as Lamar University dropped a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to Stephen F. Austin Thursday night at the LU Soccer Complex.
 
All the action happened in the second half of a game that was scoreless at the intermission and saw SFA jump out to a 2-0 lead midway through the second. Despite the deficit, the Cardinals seized control of the momentum late pulling within one on an unassisted goal from Ramirez in the 86th minute.
 
Big Red stayed on the attack and won the ball back from the opposite side of the field with less than a minute to play. Pressing forward, Big Red got the ball to Ramirez who got just enough clearance to fire off what would've been the equalizer only to have it ricochet off a defender's hand as the final seconds ticked off the clock.
 
"This game went just as we expected in terms of it being a hard-fought match," said LU head coach Steve Holeman. "There was a lot of intensity and good looks for both sides. We felt it was going to be an even match up and statistically it was. We came out in the second half and created some good chances, some corner kicks, but unfortunately, they were the first to get on the board and then scored another one quick."
 
LU outshot their guests 12-10, but the Ladyjacks ended the night with one more shot on goal (7-6). The visitors were also flagged for 12 fouls while LU was whistled for 10. Each team also received a yellow card.
 
SFA's goals game in the 60^th minute (Colleen Feagins) and then 64 seconds later from Mattie Musser.
 
"I was proud of how out team remained disciplined after the second goal and continued to create opportunities and defend well," said Holeman. "We were able to get one back, and then it literally came down to the last second of the game. I'm proud of this team and their fight, unfortunately the result didn't go our way."
 
The Cardinals will look to erase the memory of this contest Sunday when they return to the pitch to take on Sam Houston. The game against the Bearkats will begin at 7 p.m.