THIBODAUX, La. – The ULM soccer program scored two goals in the final 9:24 minutes, but Nicholls State was able to hang on for a 4-3 decision on Sunday at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.
The Warhawks (4-2) trailed 4-1 at the 80:36 mark when they were awarded a penalty kick after a foul in the penalty box. Sophomore Kylie Kukowski placed it in the back of the net for her second score of the year to re-energize the squad.
Junior Karlea Fehr, who scored ULM's first goal in the game, drew a late corner kick as the Warhawks kept pushing. Fehr then took the corner and her ball got over the goalkeeper's hands and on to the foot of redshirt-sophomore Antonia Land for her second goal of the season with 4:46 left.
Fehr's assist was the 12th of her career as she sits one behind the all-time school record of 13 set by Chelsea Shriner (2000-02).
ULM had one last look with 1:49 remaining, but Fehr's shot was saved by Nicholls State (3-3) goalkeeper Taylor Mosley (2-3).
“We dug ourselves a hole and fought back to almost tie the game,” said ULM head coach Roberto Mazza. “There are many positives we can take from this game. We will definitely fix the mistakes and become better as a team moving forward.”
Samantha Moreno (1-2) recorded the loss after playing 90 minutes in net and made seven saves. Sophomore Cameron Stoker was the only field player to play 90 minutes for ULM as a center-back.
The Warhawks were down 1-0 early when Fehr put the team on the board in the 14th minute after a pass from sophomore Mary Ashton Lembo. It was the fourth goal of the year for Fehr who posted a game-high four shots, all on goal.
The Colonels got on the board in the eighth minute on a free kick goal by Spencer Valdespino into the left side. Nicholls took a 2-1 lead into the intermission on a shot from Ainsley Pratt into the top left corner. The Colonels scored two more early in the second half on goals from Mie Elvestad and Valdespino.
The contest wrapped up a long six-game, season-opening road trip where the Warhawks. ULM will play its regular season home opener on Friday, Sept. 12 when it hosts Stephen F. Austin at 4:00 p.m. at the ULM Soccer Complex.
“SFA will be one of the hardest games on our schedule,” said Mazza. “We will regroup and give our best effort on Friday.”
Support the Warhawks through participating in the Athletic Foundation, you can join the ULMAF by calling 318-342-5415.
