SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Lamar University (3-4-3, 0-0-2) put UIW in an early 2-0 hole, but would be unable to sustain that lead Sunday as UIW rallied to end the match in a 2-2 draw.
Lauren Smith and
Cena Carlson scored for Big Red, with the latter goal being assisted by
Riley Wilson. Freshman goalkeeper
Eloise Bywater posted four saves in goal. LU and UIW each put up eight shots in the match.
Both teams struggled to get through each other's defenses for most of the first half, but LU got the lone goal in the half in the 21st minute as Smith flicked her shot past UIW's goalkeeper. The other Cardinals managed a pair of shots, including a free kick opportunity in the 32nd minute to potentially equalize, but it was saved by Bywater. Each side went into the locker room with Lamar leading 1-0.
In the 49th minute, LU struck for its second goal as Wilson lobbed the ball to Carlson, who struck it with her right foot. UIW responded 15 seconds later by breaking the shutout. Then, it equalized the match in the 66th minute.
The two teams fought to break the deadlock as LU's shot in the 83rd minute went over the net. Bywater kept UIW from sealing the game-winner with two minutes to go, and the clock wound down with both teams ending the match, 2-2.
"Again, I'm frustrated to give up another two goal lead and drop points," said head coach
Nathan Kogut. "I am happy with the chances we are creating, but we know we have to see these games out, especially when we have a chance to steal points on the road. We have a quick turnaround and know we must be ready to produce a good performance against HCU Thursday."
Big Red makes a quick return home Thursday for its next matchup against Houston Christian. The match will start at 7 p.m. and be streamed on ESPN+.
