LAKE CHARLES, La. - McNeese took a two-goal lead and would hold on to beat Lamar University, 2-1, Sunday at Cowgirl Soccer Field. The loss drops Lamar below McNeese in the conference standings.
Big Red got its only goal from
Sofia Wilby, who tallied her first of the year.
Kam Jalayer picked up her fifth assist on the year. Freshman goalkeeper
Eloise Bywater managed one save in 90 minutes of action.
LU (5-6-4, 2-2-3 SLC) started the match with the opening shot, but then was suddenly held in check by the Cowgirls' (4-8-3, 3-2-1 SLC) defense for the next 13 minutes. It was in the 21st minute when McNeese broke the shutout to take the 1-0 lead. LU had two chances to equalize in the 24th and 35th minutes respectively, but both shots were saved by McNeese's goalkeeper. Both teams ended the first half with four shots as the Cowgirls maintained their lead into halftime.
The Cardinals outshot McNeese 12-3 in the second half, but found themselves down 2-0 after a Cowgirls' goal in the 65th minute. Undeterred, Big Red responded five minutes later as Jalayer passed the ball to Wilby, who struck with her right foot to cut McNeese's lead in half.
LU's defense kept the Cowgirls from extending their lead over the final 20 minutes. The Cardinals had four opportunities to draw level, but were unable to find the back of the net as McNeese held on for the 2-1 win.
"I'm incredibly disappointed in our performance this afternoon," said head coach
Nathan Kogut. "We came out ready, and then as the afternoon went on, we just didn't put chances away. I have to give all the credit to McNeese, who had a solid game plan and hit us on two very good counters. All the possessions in the world don't matter if you can't finish. We have a full week to get better before we go on another road trip next weekend."
LU will seek to bounce back Sunday, Oct. 19th, as it returns to Louisiana to meet with Nicholls. The match is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m.
