NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Sophomore
Sofia Wilby netted the game-winning goal Sunday afternoon as Lamar University earned a 2-1 victory over Stephen F. Austin. The win marked the first victory over the Ladyjacks in seven seasons and moves Big Red into fourth place in the Southland Conference standings.
The Cardinals (6-2-4, 3-1-1 SLC) outshot SFA, 16-7.
Marissa Gross and Wilby both found the back of the net, while
Diem Sealy recorded an assist. Senior goalkeeper
Keely Thomas collected one save in the win.
Big Red came out pressing the attack early, recording eight shots in the opening 27 minutes. Gross tallied her seventh goal in the sixth minute to give the Cardinals an early lead. The Ladyjacks were held without a shot until the 24th minute, but they capitalized on a penalty kick 11 minutes later after LU was whistled for a handball in the box. Thomas picked up her lone save in the 39th minute, sending both teams into the locker room deadlocked at 1-1.
Much like the opening half, LU began the second half on the offensive. The Cardinals took seven shots in the final 45 minutes and came close to regaining the lead on three occasions before eventually breaking through. LU netted the game winner in the 71st minute, when Wilby scored with a right-footed shot that slipped past the SFA goalkeeper. The Cardinals' defense limited SFA to two second-half shots, including an off-target attempt in the 83rd minute, to secure the victory.
Big Red returns home Thursday to face conference-leading UIW. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the match will be streamed on ESPN+.
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