SFA Edged By WKU in Baton Rouge, 1-0
8/30/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
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WKU 1, SFA 0 (PDF)
Box Score
BATON ROUGE, La. - The Ladyjacks created plenty of chances in the offensive third but couldn't find the back of the net on Sunday afternoon, falling to Western Kentucky 1-0 at LSU Soccer Stadium. SFA closes the weekend trip to Baton Rouge with two tough 1-0 defeats, also dropping a game to Minnesota on Friday evening.
"Today was tough for sure as we continued to build on our good mentality from Friday night," said head coach Wally Crittenden. "Good work ethic by the team today and we had some really dangerous attacks throughout the match to show for it. We missed several point blank chances that in tight games will decide the outcome.
"We will continue learning and at the same time keep looking for the right personnel grouping up top and in the midfield that will give us the best chance to score off the great attacks we are now creating."
Senior midfielder Rachel Owens and sophomore forward Hanna Barker were each named to the "Battle on the Bayou" All-Tournament Team following Sunday's game for their solid play over the weekend.
The Ladyjacks (0-3-0) were dangerous throughout the game, outshooting the Lady Toppers (2-2-0) 14-11 on the afternoon. The difference came in the 50th minute as WKU countered and scored on a breakaway with 49:04 gone. WKU's Haley Baldridge slotted a shot inside the left post for the goal.
Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Lillie Ehlert was tested a handful of times, making three saves, including a diving stop late in the first half. The rest of the game Ehlert and her back line held the Lady Toppers to half chances inside the box and shots from distance.
Junior midfielder Amanda Doyle and senior defender Chantal Curry led SFA with three shots each and one attempt on target. Owens and Barker also looked sharp with two shots in the game. Kelly Ann Craig fired a shot on goal from distance in the 80th minute for the Ladyjacks' other shot on goal.
Hailey Hunt, Crystal Calvit and Chloe Fowler each registered one shot during the contest as well.
The Ladyjacks controlled much of the second half with seven shots and a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks. WKU was held to just one shot on goal in the final 45 minutes.
"The great thing is we are measuring ourselves up against some very good teams and the competitive spirit, speed of play and mentality has continued to mature over these games," Crittenden said. "That is important in preparation for our conference stretch. The best for this young group is yet to come and when it does come together, it will be great to watch."
SFA will be back in action in Tempe, Arizona next Friday and Sunday for games against Arizona State and Arizona. The Ladyjacks will play the Sun Devils at 9:00 p.m. CT on Friday night before taking on former SFA head coach Tony Amato and the Wildcats at 1:00 p.m. CT Sunday afternoon.
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