ADA, Okla. — The East Central University soccer team closed out its non-conference schedule Saturday afternoon, hosting Rogers State University at Tiger Soccer Field. The Tigers battled the Hillcats throughout the afternoon, taking a 1-1 tie into halftime before Rogers State scored twice in the second half to secure a 3-1 victory.
The Tigers will now turn their attention to Great American Conference play as they return to Tiger Soccer Field on Wednesday, Sep. 16 to take on Harding University at 3 pm.
Rogers State struck first just 1:25 into the match, but the Tigers quickly settled in and created several opportunities of their own.
Reece Roberson and
Kaylie Gonzalez recorded the first shots for ECU, but both attempts were off the mark.
The Tigers continued to pressure as the half progressed, and their efforts paid off in the 30th minute.
Jalynne Campbell delivered a free kick into the box, where
Addisyn Brown headed it into the back of the net for her second goal of the season, leveling the match at 1-1.
Rogers State looked to reclaim the lead shortly after, but ECU goalkeeper
Alexandra Naill came up with a save in the 35th minute to keep the match even.
Sofia Flores then recorded a shot on goal, while
Natalia Castaneda added another attempt that was blocked as the Tigers headed into halftime tied 1-1.
ECU continued to battle after the break, with Brown and
Madison Martinez recording shots early in the second half. The Tigers remained within striking distance until Rogers State regained the lead on a penalty kick in the 68th minute.
Looking for another equalizer, ECU continued to create chances, with
Emily Cavazos and Martinez each recording shots in the 75th minute. Gonzalez added another attempt in the final minutes as the Tigers continued to push forward.
Rogers State added an insurance goal in the 83rd minute to extend its lead to 3-1. ECU continued to fight until the final whistle, with
Estrella Hernandez recording two shots in the final three minutes and
Makaiah Carlson adding a shot on goal, but the Tigers were unable to close the gap.
ECU finished with a 13-11 advantage in shots over Rogers State, while the Hillcats held a narrow 6-5 edge in shots on goal. The Tigers also earned five corner kicks compared to eight for RSU. ECU goalkeeper
Alexandra Naill recorded three saves, while Rogers State finished with four.
