MONROE, La. – Fans of ULM Soccer were finally able to get their first good look at the team as the Warhawks fell to Stephen F. Austin, 2-1, on Friday afternoon, during an exhibition match.
"You train for eight months out of the year for a four-month season," said ULM head coach Keyton Wheelock. "For the girls to get out there and to show what they've done this off-season and to have a quality performance tonight, we're all excited."
ULM took to the attack early in the game before SFA's Katelyn Termini hit a shot on goal that was saved by ULM sophomore goalkeeper Courtney Turner. The Lumberjacks were able to follow that up with three consecutive corner kicks before Kenady Carlile culminated the attack 12 minutes into the game with a goal to put SFA up, 1-0.
The Warhawks turned the heat up on SFA as senior Alexiss Trudeau got a shot on goal before senior Amanda Castillo scored to tie the game up at the 22 minute mark, 1-1.
"Our biggest focus in the off-season was getting numbers to attack out of the back and get numbers forward," said Wheelock. "We had multiple times where we had four or five kids in the box and that's what we need."
As the pace slowed in the second half, SFA attacked just enough to have Katie Jennings score 11 minutes into the half to put the Lumberjacks up, 2-1.
ULM used the second half to play a majority of the team and continued the attack late in the game, stacking players in the box, but it wasn't enough to overcome Stephen F. Austin.
"SFA is a fantastic team. They're well coached and well organized. They're a team that could compete for championships in our conference," said Wheelock. "I think today was the best performance we've had against them."
The Warhawks will travel to Grambling State on Friday, Aug. 23, to battle in the 2019 season opener. The game starts at 5:30 p.m.
Follow along with all things Warhawk Soccer on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @ULM_Soccer.
