ITTA BENA, Miss. – Freshman Jenna Floyd knocked in the game-winning goal in overtime to lead the ULM soccer program to a 2-1 victory over Mississippi Valley State on Sunday at the MVSU Soccer Complex.
In the 92nd minute, ULM (5-5-1) was awarded a free kick about five yards outside the penalty box. Mariah Mitchell quickly tapped it to Allie Dickson who found Floyd in the middle of the box. The Federal Way, Wash. native calmly rolled it past the keeper into the lower right corner for the victory.
“It was an awesome win. The girls worked really hard today and we had a lot of chances,” said ULM head coach Roberto Mazza. “This game really tested our will and our character. To be able to keep fighting even after so many tough bounces shows a lot. We are definitely moving in the right direction.”
Mitchell scored ULM's first goal in the 61st minute. Kylie Kukowski sent in a corner that Dickson was able to kick over to Mitchell for the score. It marked Kukowski's third corner kick assist on the weekend.
“I felt really good this weekend. I've been working hard and was hoping to get some results. I was really excited after my assist today,” said Kukowski. “This was a huge win for the team. We overcame our battles and came out with the win.”
MVSU (1-6) evened the game in the 66th minute on a free kick sent into the middle from about 25 yards out. Josee Primeau was noted as the scorer.
The Warhawks held a 26-8 advantage in shots, including a 15-5 edge on shots on goal. ULM also won the corner kick ratio, 8-2.
Defensively, freshmen Whitney Tuckfield and Cameron Stoker, and junior Cerene Arsenault played the full 92 minutes.
The Warhawks started nine freshmen for the eighth consecutive game. 16 newcomers played in the contest.
ULM will begin its conference slate on Friday at 6:00 p.m. when it travels to Western Kentucky University. The Warhawks will play their conference home opener on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 1:00 p.m. against UL-Lafayette.
The Warhawks enter SBC play with a .500 or better record for the second time since joining the league in 2006.
