SEMINOLE, Okla. – The East Central University soccer team came up just short in its return to the pitch at Seminole State College, falling 1-0 to UT Tyler on Saturday afternoon. With the loss, the Tigers move to 0-2 on the season, while the Patriots improve to 2-0.
 
UT Tyler opened the match with an aggressive attack, firing the first four shots of the game. While three attempts missed the target, ECU goalkeeper Madison Mayhall stepped up to stop the fourth, keeping the Patriots off the scoreboard early.
 
The Tigers' first offensive push came in the 16th minute when Ximena Resendiz launched ECU's first shot on goal, but it was saved by the Patriots' keeper.
 
The breakthrough for UT Tyler came in the 22nd minute after an ECU foul in the box resulted in a penalty kick. The Patriots capitalized, slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to take a 1-0 lead which would end up being the eventual game-winner.
 
In the second half, ECU found more offensive rhythm, outshooting the Patriots 6-4. Resendiz, Makaiah Carlson, and Avery Spadoni each took chances to level the score, but were unable to convert.
 
One of the Tigers' best opportunities came in the 75th minute when Madison Martinez nearly tied the game, but UT Tyler's goalkeeper charged out to make a crucial stop just as Martinez prepared to strike.
 
Late in the match, ECU was awarded a corner kick with six minutes remaining, stirring excitement on the Tigers' bench. However, the Patriots' defense disrupted the play and regained possession before ECU could get a shot off. Despite a strong second-half push, time ran out with the score unchanged at 1-0.
 
ECU showed notable improvement in possession and intensity throughout the match, but the difference ultimately came down to the first-half penalty kick.
 
The Tigers will look to bounce back next week as they continue non-conference play on the road against Oklahoma Christian. Kickoff is set for Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.