MOBILE, Ala. - Lamar University had a later start to their game with South Alabama due to a lightning delay. While the Cardinals did have to encounter plenty of Jaguar offensive chances and created some of their own, they only managed to pick up a 0-0 draw.
All game long, Big Red were outshot 11-5, but thanks to
Nicole Panis, who finished with five saves, and a solid defense, the Cardinals held USA scoreless.
Isela Ramirez led the offense with two shots for the contest.
"That felt like an NCAA Tournament match up by two teams that refused to back down," said head coach
Nathan Kogut. "We had some great chances that we couldn't quite finish, and our defensive work rate and game plan played out the way we wanted to. Hats off to South Alabama, because they're a fantastic program, but I'm so proud of our girls dealing with a road trip, lightning delay, and tough road environment to get a quality result."
The first half brought few chances for either side as they combined for seven shots total. LU had the first opportunity to score in the 14th minute while USA provided two chances to score, including one in the 34th minute only for Panis to knock the ball away. The first half ended with the teams level at zero.
As the second half began, LU got an early chance to break the tie in the 49th minute only for USA's goalkeeper Jaidy Campos to make the save. Panis and the Cardinals had to endure seven shots from USA, which included a couple of key saves in the 52nd, 82nd, and 87th minutes. The Cardinals last chance to score resulted in an offsides call. As a result of the delayed start to the game, both teams had to settle with a scoreless draw after 90 minutes.
LU will return home to their soccer complex to start their conference play this Sunday. They will take on Texas A&M Corpus Christi at 1:00 PM.
