ADA, Okla. – The East Central University soccer team hosted Angelo State University in a non-conference match for their 2024 home opener at Tiger Soccer Field on Saturday. Despite the ensuing back-and-forth defensive battle, the game was ultimately decided by a late penalty in favor of the Rambelles.
 
For 85 minutes, ECU's defense held firm, keeping ASU off the scoreboard. However, a foul in the penalty area awarded the Rambelles a crucial penalty kick to which they were able to convert, eventually securing the 1-0 victory.
 
The Rambelles put on the pressure right away, taking the first shot of the game at the 3:30 mark and dominating the first half with12 shots compared to the Tigers' six. ECU goalkeeper Madison Mayhall saw plenty of action, making four big stops to keep ASU scoreless in the opening period.
 
After the intermission, ASU only continued to turn up the heat offensively and defensively, firing off 15 shots and limiting ECU to just three.
 
Though the Tigers made a valiant effort to fend off the Rambelles, the referees whistled a foul on ECU in the 85^th minute inside the penalty area, leading to a massive penalty kick for ASU. The Rambelles lined up for their shot and buried it in the back of the net for the game-winning goal.
 
ECU's Ximena Resendiz would try to score a last-second equalizer, but her shot went right to the hands of the ASU goalkeeper, sealing a tough defeat for the Tigers.
 
Reece Roberson and Kaylee Bruce led the offensive effort for ECU, each recording two shots with one on goal.
 
The ECU soccer team will look to rebound with another match on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 4 pm as they host Oklahoma Christian University.