STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Lucia Lobato's goal in the 88th minute, off a deflected free kick from
Mara Grutkamp, helped ULM pick up a 1-1 draw against Tarleton State in the season opener Thursday night at the Tarleton Soccer Complex.
The free kick was set up by a Tarleton foul just outside and to the right of the 18-yard penalty area. After Lena Göppel initially approached the ball, but did not touch it, Grutkamp fired off a hard shot into the box, which deflected off Lobato and into the back of the net to level the match with just 2:44 left in the match.
It was Grutkamp's 12th career assist, moving her into a tie with Rachel Hobson for fifth place in ULM program history.
ULM went right back to work after the goal.
Emelie Kobler's shot was stopped by Tarleton goal keeper Mikayla Kendall in the 89th minute. The Texans looked to steal the win in the final seconds, as Tarleton's Tori Cameron worked behind ULM's defense on the right side, but her shot missed high and wide right with five seconds remaining, sealing the draw.
The Warhawks controlled the match in the first 22 minutes, firing off the first four shots of the night. However, the action quickly swung in the 23rd and 24th minutes, as the Texans fired off five quick shots, including two on goal. The last attempt in the spree put Tarleton on the board, as Avery Harr knocked the ball past ULM goalkeeper
Mickaela Leal for the 1-0 lead in the 24th minute.
ULM had a flurry of opportunities in the 38th, 39th and 40th minutes, as
Sophia Youngman put two shots on goal and
Inge Konst added another, but Kendall made all three saves.
Eve Blakey had an opportunity in the 43rd minute, but her shot missed high.
Tarleton led 1-0 at halftime.
Both teams had chances early in the second half, but Kendall made saves on shots on goal by Grutkamp and Blakey, while
Alexa Castro subbed in for ULM and picked up saves off shots by Rylee Low and Harr. The Warhawks had six corner kick attempts in the second half and eight in the match but were unable to convert.
ULM had a few more chances midway through the second half, with
Ally Richardson, Kobler and Grutkamp all putting shots on frame. Castro stopped another attempt by Harr in the 64th minute for Tarleton's last shot on goal of the night.
The Warhawks out-shot Tarleton, 23-12, and had 11 shots on goal. Kendall made 10 saves in playing all 90 minutes for the Texans. Leal had two saves in the first half for ULM while Castro made three stops in the second half.
Grutkamp had five shots to lead ULM, putting three on goal. Harr put all five of her shot attempts on goal for Tarleton.
The Warhawks visit Sam Houston at 1 p.m. Sunday.
