Game Box Score
PINE BLUFF, Ark.- The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Lions soccer team fell 1-0 to the Red Wolves of Arkansas State this Friday night with an exciting overtime golden goal to end the game.
It was a thrilling match all the way to the end. ASU tallied more recorded shots-on-goal, with 8-4, but the Golden Lions had two breakaway shots just nearly missing the post.
“I am very pleased with how my players came out and played their first game of the season. To be fair to the girls, you will see more mistakes made in a first game than any other game of the season,” said Head Coach Roberto Mazza. “But on the other hand we had many positive situations that happened throughout the game. I felt that it was an even game and that we lost on a goal that came from a broken play.”
Senior goalkeeper Bre-Ann Laypoole recorded 7 saves in tonight's match. “It was a good game but unfortunately it did not end the way we wanted it to. But we can learn from our mistakes and move forward,” said Laypoole.
The golden goal game at the 96th minute as the Red Wolves pressed forward into the Golden Lions' 18yd box. A cross by a ASU forward came through the 18yd box, was deflected by a Lady Lion, and landed on the foot of ASU forward Michele Clark who hit the ball in the net just below the crossbar.
Although it was a tough loss for the Lady Lions tonight, junior team captain Rachel Harker is looking forward to the rest of the season.
“It was nice to finally see the team play its first game together and I thought we all played well as a team considering it was our first game,” said Harker. “Unfortunately we did not get the win but we did learn some valuable lessons on that field tonight. I am looking forward to the rest of the season and for the team to reach its full potential. It will take some time but I am proud of our team's performance tonight,”
The Lady Lions play their next match at home next Wednesday at 5:00pm versus the Eagles of the University of the Ozarks.
