Texas State Women’s Soccer Falls on the Road to McNeese State

LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Texas State women’s soccer team dropped its first game of the season Friday night at Cowgirl Field to McNeese State 2-0.

The Bobcats dropped to 2-1 on the season while the Cowgirls are now 2-0.

Starting the game, Texas State came out strong with Clarissa Leon taking a crack at goal with just 21 seconds ticking off the clock. The Bobcats’ defense did not allow McNeese State to take a shot until halfway through the 22nd minute while attempting five shots and three corner kicks themselves.

The Cowgirls scored their first goal of the game just inside the 36th minute when Savannah LaRicci headed in a cross from the left side off the foot of Morgan Middleton. With the score, Texas State’s shutout streak to begin the season was snapped at 125:04.

A little over nine minutes into the second half, LaRicci tallied her second goal of the game on a breakaway. Alexis Rodriguez set up the score for her first assist of the season.

The Bobcats came close to getting on the scoreboard in the 59 minute when Alyssa Phelan directed a header on goal. However, the Cowgirls’ goalkeeper made the save.

Kassi Hormuth took a team-high three shots. Rachel Grout, Maddie Nichols, Genesis Turman and Leon all attempts two shots.

In goal, Heather Martin started for the third straight game and stopped one shot in the first half. Kathryn Budde came on in the second half but was tested just once in the period.

LaRicci attempted three of McNeese State’s four shots, putting all of her shots on goal. Gabi D’Alesandro was the only other Cowgirl to take a crack at goal. Making five saves to earn the shutout was Annie Bravenec.

On the night, Texas State held a 16-5 advantage in shots but only a slim 5-3 lead in shots on goal. The corner kick edge, 9-1, also was in the maroon and gold’s favor.

The Bobcats return home Sunday to take on Houston at 1 p.m. at the Bobcat Soccer Complex. Live stats and video stream will be available for the game. The contest will also be broadcast on the radio in the San Marcos area on KTSW 89.9 FM.

Admission to all home soccer games is free of charge. For more information on the Texas State soccer team, visit the official website of Texas State Athletics at www.txstatebobcats.com, like on Facebook at Texas State Soccer and follow on Twitter at @TxStateSoccer.

Box Score: http://txstatebobcats.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wsoc&id=4620