HOUSTON, Texas – The Lamar University soccer team battled a talented Rice squad tough for 90 minutes but were edged out 2-1 Thursday evening in Houston.
The Cardinals posted their season-high 14 shots led by three from Cena Carlson. Arely Alaniz, who netted LU's lone goal for the night in the 14th minute, was one of five Cardinals with two shots along with Trinity Clark, Taylor Conway, Kamryn Harvey, and Riley Wilson. Goalkeepers Taylor Howard and Maddie Rich appeared in goal and each recorded three saves.
It took 30 seconds for LU to fire the first shot of the game. After 12 minutes of each team trying to gain possession, Alaniz's free kick goal provided LU a 1-0 lead. That goal would wake up the Owls, who responded with an equalizer six minutes later. Nine minutes passed and the Cardinals were held in check while the Owls tallied their second goal off of a rebound for a 2-1 lead at the break. Rice outshot the Cardinals 12-8 in the half.
Over the second half, LU managed to outshoot Rice 6-5. Four of the shots came in the first 15 minutes, but the Cardinals couldn't capitalize. In the later stages, the Owls had a few opportunities to add an insurance goal only for Rich to deny the shots. With under three minutes to go, LU's last chance to equalize came off a free kick and went right into the arms of the Rice keeper.
LU will seek to get itself going on Sunday night when they host Sam Houston at 7:00 p.m.
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