SEMINOLE, Okla. — The East Central University soccer team battled Southern Nazarene University on a gloomy and rainy Saturday morning at the Seminole State College Soccer Field, with the Tigers being forced to relocate the Great American Conference matchup from Ada due to field conditions caused by the weather. ECU battled throughout the contest but ultimately suffered a 2-0 setback to the Crimson Storm.
The Tigers created an early opportunity as
Jalynne Campbell recorded a shot just 90 seconds into the match, but it went wide.
Emma Stewart followed with a shot on goal in the 12th minute that was saved by the SNU goalkeeper. Southern Nazarene continued to apply pressure before breaking through in the 21st minute to take a 1-0 lead. ECU continued to search for an equalizer, with
Ava Jordan recording a shot in the 33rd minute before
Aroa Pena put a shot on goal that was saved.
Estrella Hernandez added a pair of attempts late in the half, but both went wide as the Tigers entered halftime trailing by one.
Parker Frei recorded a save in the final five minutes of the half to keep SNU's advantage at 1-0.
ECU looked to respond quickly after the break, with Stewart putting another shot on goal just over a minute into the second half that was saved. SNU added its second goal in the 55th minute, but the Tigers continued to battle, with
Natalia Castaneda recording a shot just 14 seconds later. Campbell then put another shot on goal in the 60th minute, followed by a shot from
Madison Martinez that was also saved. ECU continued to create opportunities and earned four corner kicks during the half, while Pena added two more shots, including a late attempt on goal in the 90th minute. Hernandez also recorded another shot in the final minute, but the Tigers were unable to find the back of the net.
The Tigers finished with four saves overall, with
Parker Frei recording one in the opening half, while
Alexandra Naill made three saves after the break.
ECU finished with a 13-10 advantage in shots, while both teams recorded six shots on goal. The Tigers also earned four corner kicks compared to one for Southern Nazarene.
The Tigers will continue Great American Conference play with their next matchup on the road in Arkadelphia against Ouachita Baptist University on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 1 pm.
