SEARCY, Ark. – East Central University soccer wrapped up its final road matchup of the season Saturday afternoon, taking on Harding University at Stevens Soccer Complex. The Tigers battled throughout the contest and found the back of the net late in the second half, but it was not enough to overcome the Bisons as ECU was edged 2-1.
The two teams played a scoreless first half, with Harding holding a 13-2 advantage in shots. ECU goalkeeper
Alexandra Naill and the Tiger defense worked to keep the Bisons off the scoreboard through the opening 45 minutes.
Harding broke through in the 67th minute with the first goal of the afternoon before adding another in the 84th minute to take a 2-0 lead.
The Tigers responded quickly, cutting the deficit in half just 45 seconds later.
Addisyn Brown found the back of the net off a corner kick from
Aroa Pena in the 84th minute, recording her third goal of the season. Despite the late push, ECU was unable to find the equalizer as Harding secured the 2-1 result.
Harding finished with a 24-6 advantage in shots, including a 7-5 edge in shots on goal, while also holding a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Addisyn Brown led the Tigers with three shots, all on goal, including ECU's lone goal of the afternoon.
Makaiah Carlson and
Sophie Maldonado each recorded one shot on goal, while
Estrella Hernandez added one shot. In goal,
Alexandra Naill played all 90 minutes for the Tigers, recording five saves.
The Tigers will return to Tiger Soccer Field on Monday, Nov. 2, to host Northwestern Oklahoma State in a rescheduled matchup after the original contest was postponed due to weather. Kickoff is set for 3 pm.
