CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - Lamar University couldn't overcome a two-goal second-half deficit as it fell to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 3-2 Thursday at the Dr. Jack Dugan Field.

Katherine Williams scored her first goal of the season 25 seconds into the match. This is the fastest opening goal scored by LU in program history and breaks the previous mark of 27 seconds held by Cariel Ellis in 2023. Also with a goal was Lauren Smith, who is now second in the Soutland Conference with nine.

After Big Red struck first, the Islanders (3-6-3, 1-2-1) responded with a goal on their first shot in the fifth minute. Corpus Christi then tacked on two goals in the 22nd and 26th minutes, respectively, to lead 3-1 going into the break. 

When the second half began, the Cardinals (4-5-3, 1-1-2) struggled to create openings for the first 12 minutes. Then, a costly yellow card on the Islanders in the 58th minute gave LU an opportunity on the free kick. Smith stepped up and buried the free kick into the net to close the deficit to 3-2. The Cardinals went on the offensive, but were unable to equalize on three scoring chances.

With three minutes to go, Corpus Christi's starting goalkeeper was sent off by a red card after committing a foul in the box, providing one more opportunity for LU. Unfortunately, the penalty kick went off-target and the Islanders held on for the victory. 

Big Red will look to regroup Sunday as it will host first-place Stephen F. Austin at the LU Soccer Complex. The match is scheduled to start at 1 p.m., and will be streamed on ESPN+. 
 

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