MONROE, La. – Trailing 2-0 at half, the ULM soccer program scored a pair of second half goals to tie the game, but Arkansas State knocked in the decisive tally to take a 3-2 decision on Friday at the ULM Soccer Complex.
The Warhawks (5-9-1, 0-4 SBC) got on the board in the 56th minute on a rocket-shot by sophomore Karlea Fehr. The goal cut ULM's deficit to 2-1 as Fehr received a header from freshman Jenna Floyd down the left side. Fehr aimed far-post and buried it into the top-right corner.
“We had a lot of opportunities leading up to the first goal and when we finally put one in the back of the net we knew we could get more,” said Fehr.
ULM tied the game, 2-2, in the 66th minute on a header from freshman Jenna Pillon. Sophomore Mariah Mitchell sent in a cross from the right and Pillon perfectly placed herself in front of the net for the finish. It was the eighth goal of the season for the Long Beach, Calif., native.
The Red Wolves (7-5-2, 2-2 SBC) recorded the final goal of the game in the 69th minute on a straight run by Loren Mitchell. Her shot was just out of reach of goalkeeper Katherine Werther who got a hand on it.
In the 82nd minute, Fehr shot what looked to be a possible equalizing goal for ULM. The ball hit underneath the crossbar and bounced down, but was not ruled a goal and ASU was able to clear it as play continued.
The Warhawks outshot the Red Wolves, 14-11, including 11-6 in the second half. ULM also held a 9-6 edge in corner kicks.
“We've shown a lot of improvement over the last couple games and we really came out strong in the second half. We showed a lot of heart and determination,” said freshman Amanda Borstelmann. “If we come back and play as hard as we did in the second half today then we'll definitely get a victory Sunday.”
Fehr registered a game-high seven shots, including four on goal. Mitchell fired three shots, while freshman Allie Dickson took two.
Freshmen goalkeepers Holly Mallinson and Werther each played 45 minutes. Mallinson made a pair of saves, while Werther had three.
Samhia Simao and Christine Giles were noted as the scorers for ASU in the first half.
“In the first half, we played timid and we didn't defend very well. We went to the locker room, made some adjustments and came out on fire in the second half. It was a great performance for us in the second half and we really dominated,” said ULM head coach Roberto Mazza. “We know we have to play a complete 90-minute game to win, but I am very pleased with the last 45 minutes and we are going to come out strong on Sunday.”
The Warhawks will be back in action on Sunday when they host UALR at 1:00 p.m. at the ULM Soccer Complex. Follow the ULM soccer program on twitter, @ULM_Soccer, for live in-game updates.
