BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar's offensive prowess was on full display as it tallied three first-half goals, handing Texas Southern a 4-1 loss Thursday at the LU Soccer Complex. Over the last two games, the Cardinals have outscored their opponents 7-2.
Taking 25 shots throughout the match, the Cardinals were led by Lauren Smith, who posted a goal and an assist. Also finding the back of the net were Cena Carlson, Mariana Cardenas, and Kam Jalayer, while Annika Kassenbrock recorded a pair of assists. All three goalkeepers - Eloise Bywater, Mathelyn Ruiz and Maddie Rich - appeared in the match and combined for five saves while facing just eight shots.
Right out of the gate, the Cardinals went to work keeping possession on TSU's side of the field. Kassenbrock set up Smith's first goal in the 14th minute as the latter struck one to the TSU keeper's right. Four minutes later, Kassenbrock lobbed a perfect pass, which was headed in by Carlson to give LU a 2-0 lead.
Bywater racked up two saves while Lamar held the Tigers to one shot in the first 30 minutes. That changed when TSU netted its only goal a minute later to trail 2-1. With four minutes to go in the half, Katherine Williams dished the ball to Cardenas, who launched a rocket past the keeper and gave LU a 3-1 advantage at the half.
The Cardinals carried their momentum into the second half as they hardly allowed TSU to get past midfield. In the 61st minute, Smith connected with Jalayer, who scored off the right foot to make it 4-1 in LU's favor. Ruiz and Rich split time in goal during the second half and held down the Tigers till the final buzzer.
"I am happy that we were able to get another good result with our group," said head coach Nathan Kogut. "We were able to play everyone tonight and saw a lot of good performances. We always talk about how hard winning is, so we are going to enjoy this and turn our attention quickly to a good Rice team on Sunday evening."
LU's second match of this current four-game home stretch sees it battle a tough Rice squad Sunday. The match will kick off at 6 p.m., and be streamed on ESPN+.
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