SEARCY, Ark. – The East Central University soccer team battled hard in their final regular-season match against top-ranked Harding University, but an early lead by the Bisons proved too much to overcome as the Tigers fell 4-2 at Stevens Soccer Complex on Saturday morning.
 
Despite the season coming to an end, ECU's effort highlighted the growth and improvement the team has made this season under first year head coach Alyssa Taramona, achieving their best record since 2019 with a 5-10-3 overall finish and 4-5-3 mark in GAC play.

"The team battled against a very stong Harding team," Taramona said. "We were resilient and truly left our full effort and hearts on the field. Although not the result we wanted, we stayed hungry and fought until the final whistle. I am at a lost for words to describe how proud I am of this group of women. They have redefined what it means to be a Tiger soccer player, and laid a strong foundation for the program to build upon."
 
With a spot in the 2024 GAC Soccer Championships on the line, Harding took control early, scoring two goals in the opening 14 minutes. However, the Tigers refused to back down, and senior Abbie Morris got the Tigers on the board with a well-placed shot off an assist from Kaylee Bruce in the 25h minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Harding answered quickly, though, adding a third goal just 10 minutes later to extend their lead to 3-1.

In a thrilling turn of events before halftime, a yellow card on Harding gave ECU a set-piece opportunity, which Ximena Resendiz took advantage of, sending a ball to Addisyn Brown. Brown then launched a shot from midfield that deflected off the Harding goalkeeper's hands and into the net, bringing the score to 3-2 at the break. 
 
The Tigers fought hard in the second half, with strong defensive play forcing Harding to miss three shots and Madison Mayhall making two crucial saves. However, the Bisons sealed the win with a goal in the 47th minute, securing a 4-2 victory.
 
Harding outshot ECU 23-12 and held an 8-1 advantage in corners. Kaylee Bruce led the offensive effort with four shots, three on goal, while Abbie Morris and Ximena Resendiz each had two shots, both of which were on target.
 
Although they narrowly missed a spot in the GAC Women's Soccer Championships, the Tigers' 2024 season was a significant step forward.
 
Saturday's game marked the final appearance for eight seniors: Linea Andersen, Kaylee Bruce, Paige Jones, Brooklyn Meisner, Abbie Morris, Amorette Ramos, Lillianne Rehfuss, and Olivia Witte. Their leadership and dedication made a lasting impact on the program.

"Thank you to my GA, Mackenzie Saul, for stepping into a role that helped create an environment for the girls to grow and compete," Taramona added. "Thank you to our seniors who fearlessly led the team this season. Each of them have left their mark on the program and will be greatly missed!"