DENTON, Texas – 18 combined fouls and eight yellow cards between both teams brought up an aggressive road match as the Warhawks (1-1-1) dropped to North Texas (1-1), 1-0. After a defensive battle continued through the first half, the 60
thminute brought the lone goal of the contest for the Mean Green.
Early shots from both teams opened the match, as both offenses got off to a hot start. In the third minute,
Jenni Huttunen logged the first shot on target of the contest, driving ULM's push for a score. The Warhawks continued to drive shots toward the goal, but goalkeeper Sarah Margaret Seabrook prevented any scores.
The yellow cards broke open after North Texas' Clara Carter recorded the first in the 32
nd minute. After multiple fouls from both teams continued to halt progress, the fight's first half came to a close with a 0-0 draw.
As the second half began, back-to-back yellow cards came for ULM, as North Texas held in strong offensive position. After another foul handed the Mean Green a free kick, Payton Annis broke free toward the goal. After passing to Claire Niedermeier, UNT scored the lone goal of the contest and its first of the season in the 60
th minute.
A third yellow card came for the Warhawks as time began to work against the visitors. As free kick opportunities still remained for ULM, North Texas was able to keep the momentum in its favor. Keeper
Jen Handy prevented any additional score with a handful of saves, even as the Mean Green pushed forward. UNT picked up two yellow cards as ULM tried to swing the pendulum, but multiple shots were blocked in the scoring attempts. As the clock expired, the home team survived with the 1-0 advantage.
North Texas led with a 20-10 shot advantage, with seven shots on target. ULM picked up for shots on goal, Handy snagging six saves to UNT's four. With the combined 18 fouls, the Warhawks owned 13 of the fouls and four of the total eight yellow cards. The Mean Green also led with five corners to ULM's one.
Jenni Huttunen led the team with two shots on target, as
Amy Sharkey and
Charli Harris each collected two shots apiece. Handy totaled six saves in the 90-minute contest.
The Warhawks will return to Brown Stadium on Sunday (Aug. 23), facing Jackson State. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. against the Tigers.
