MONROE, La. ? The Warhawk soccer team had its chances, but couldn't put the ball away in a 2-1 overtime loss against Florida International at the ULM Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon.
“We came into today's game with the right mindset,” ULM head coach Stacy Lamb said. “We controlled the tempo of the game, but gave up two unfortunate, soft goals. At the end of the day, things just didn't go our way and we came out on the wrong end of it today.”
ULM (4-8-1, 1-4-1 Sun Belt) grabbed control early with a goal in the 17th minute. Sophomore Amy Porch crossed the ball to the wing where senior Kendall Dawkins collected it, knifed into the box and fired it past the Golden Panther keeper.
The Warhawks nearly extended their lead. After George sent a set shot over the heads of the Golden Panther defense, freshman Lindsey Tubbs collected it and powered into the box before sending her shot just wide.
FIU (1-10-2, 1-3-2 Sun Belt) would answer with a score in the 27th minute. Dribbling to the far wing, Kia Rigsby's crossing pass bent around junior keeper Mallory George and into the far corner of the goal for the equalizing score.
In the 37th minute sophomore Tiffany Bombard got behind the defense and had two chances at a score, but both of her shots were knocked down by FIU keeper Melanie Ramio.
In the second half it was more of the same for the Warhawks. The ULM defense controlled the home half of the field and the ULM offense found many more chances in the box, but couldn't finish with a score.
ULM got the first chance in the overtime period, but a turnover in the box sparked a quick counterattack. Claudia Cardenas received the ball in the middle of the field just outside the box. After shaking the Warhawk defender, Cardenas hit the game winning goal over the fingertips of George.
ULM will look to get back on the winning track on Friday when it travels to Murfreesboro, Tenn. for a 7 p.m. match against Middle Tennessee. The Warhawks will also face Western Kentucky in Bowling Green, Ky. on Sunday at 1 p.m.
