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

STATESBORO, Ga. – A penalty kick early in the second half decided the Texas State women’s soccer team’s game Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, the goal was scored by Georgia Southern as the Bobcats fell 1-0 at Eagle Field.

Texas State falls to 5-5-2 on the season and are now 2-1-1 in the Sun Belt Conference while the Eagles improve to 4-6-2 overall and 1-3-0 in conference play.

In the first half, the Bobcats were held to just two shot attempts. Both came in 14-second span early in the 18th minute. Kira Zapalac put the ball on goal from the left side that the Georgia Southern goalkeeper deflected away from goal but the ball stayed in play.

A pass just outside at the top of the box set Maddie Nichols up for a wide open look. However, the ball sailed right into the keeper’s arms.

Just over five minutes into the second half an Eagle player was tripped up in the penalty box resulting in a penalty kick being awarded. Jennifer Wittick stepped up and put the ball just past the outstretched hands Heather Martin to put Georgia Southern ahead 1-0.

The Eagles’ defense held the Bobcats to a shot for the next 35 minutes. Chandler Cooney got her foot on a loose ball off a corner kick just inside the six-yard box. The ball deflected off the goalkeeper and was cleared away for another Bobcat corner kick by a Georgia Southern defender.

On the ensuring corner, Devin Hemker connected solidly with the ball from 10 yards out but it barely went over the crossbar and on top of the net for a goal kick.

Six Bobcats took a shot in the game with Brooke Ramsey, Cooney, Nichols and Zapalac all seeing their shot attempt be on goal. Martin made four saves on the day in goal.

For Georgia Southern, Ange Wallerstedt and Wittick both took a game-high two shot attempts. Lauren Karinshak made four saves for her first shutout of the season.

The last of three consecutive road matches for Texas State is on Friday at UL Lafayette. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

For the latest 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=4629