First Half Photo Album | Second Half & Overtime Photo Album
MONROE, La. – With 10 second remaining in double overtime, freshman Somer Anderson found the back of the net to lead the ULM soccer program to a thrilling 2-1 victory on Senior Day in front of a record 383 crowd on Sunday at the ULM Soccer Complex.
Anderson, who checked into the game for the first time in the 101st minute, received a volley from freshman Jenna Pillon and rolled it past the keeper for the ULM (6-10-1, 1-5 SBC) win. The play was off a set pieces kick taken by freshman Whitney Tuckfield.
“This is a massive win for us. It's our first conference win and it felt good to get the monkey off our back. We felt we played well in a lot of other conferences games and fell short, but this win really puts us back into contention for the conference tournament,” said ULM head coach Roberto Mazza. “We still need to finish strong and we're capable of doing that.”
The day began with goalkeeper Karlin Aloisio being honored as the lone senior on Senior Day. Aloisio was commenced with flowers and a gift from team members as well as Mazza, ULM President Dr. Nick Bruno and Director of Athletics Brian Wickstrom.
“Karlin is a very special girl. I always tell her that if I could put her brain into all of my players then we'd be one heck of a team,” said Mazza. “She is extremely driven, motivated and 100 percent committed to the program. She's been very important for us as we build this program.”
Aloisio, a native of Lakeland, Fla., earned the start and made six saves in net.
“Today was really great. The team has really come together as a family and we came through with a win,” said Aloisio. “The team made it the best senior day ever. We worked really hard and deserved to win today.”
Texas State (5-8-2, 2-3-1 SBC) got on the board first with a goal by Lynsey Curry in the 12th minute. She struck a ball into the top right corner from a shot just inside the penalty box.
The Warhawks evened the game, 1-1, on a goal by sophomore Mariah Mitchell in the 17th minute. Tuckfield recorded the first of her two assists when she sent a free kick into the middle of the box. Mitchell raced toward the ball and got to it just before the keeper could secure it with both hands and put it in for her fourth goal of the season.
ULM outplayed the Bobcats for most of the second half and held a 9-4 advantage in shots. Though, after a couple of near Warhawk goals, Texas State was able to hang on and force an overtime period.
The Bobcats had a chance with three minutes remaining in the first overtime period, but ULM freshman goalkeeper Holly Mallinson made an outstanding save on a high shot to extend the game. Mallinson picked up the win and made seven saves in 64:50 shutout minutes.
The second overtime period was seemingly a stalemate until the Warhawks were awarded a free kick with 20 seconds left from about 40 yards out. Anderson's goal was her second of the year, both game-winners.
“I always tell the team that, no matter what, if your number is called in a special situation, you have to be ready. Somer is a girl that we can definitely count on and this goal speaks volumes for what she's done for the team,” said Mazza.
The Warhawks started eight freshmen and have started at least that many in every game this season. 13 newcomers played in the contest. Tuckfield, Pillon, Amanda Borstelmann, Allie Dickson and Cerene Arsenault played all 110 minutes.
Mitchell led the team offensively with five shots, including three on target. Sophomore Karlea Fehr fired four shots with two on goal.
The 383 attendance mark broke the previous record of 356 set on Aug. 25 in a 9-0 thumping over Grambling State. The Warhawks improved to 5-3-1 at the ULM Soccer Complex this season, and 2-0-0 with crowds over 300.
“I cannot thank our fans enough for the support they showed today. It really means a lot to our program and energized the team throughout the game. It was an unbelievable turnout and it played a significant role in our win today,” said Mazza.
ULM will be back in action on Thursday when it travels to Troy for a 3:00 p.m. start. The Warhawks will close out the regular season on Sunday, Oct. 27 in a 1:00 p.m. road game against South Alabama.
