Box Score Corpus Christi, Texas – A strong defensive performance posted a shutout in open play for the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi women's soccer team against Sam Houston State on Sunday, but a penalty kick goal in the second half tilted the match in favor of the Bearkats.
"Today was a much improved performance from Friday night," head coach Shanna Caldwell said. "I was pleased with the effort from the team.
"In the upcoming games, we have to find a way to put the ball in the back of the net," added Caldwell. "We are building momentum, but have not been able to capitalize with a goal. We are looking forward to being back home at 'The Jack' with our fantastic fans cheering us on next weekend."
The first half began with the Islanders on the attack. Nanna Poulsen recorded the first shot on goal in the match in the 15th minute, but Bearkats goalkeeper Magen Ross was in position to make the save.
Jessica Berdan and Poulsen added shots in the 18th and 21st minutes, respectively, as the Islanders continued the offensive barrage picking up three corner kicks in four minutes. Islanders goalkeeper Megan Delaney was called into action for the first time in the 30th minute, before making another save in the 40th. The halftime horn sounded with the A&M-Corpus Christi and Sam Houston State tied at 0-0.
Mariah Titus of Sam Houston State broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a goal from the penalty spot. Jordan Harden was called for a foul in the box after making a challenge on the ball, and Titus converted her penalty kick to put the Bearkats up 1-0.
In the final 35 minutes of the match, the Islanders backline thwarted any Sam Houston State attacks. Combination play between the midfield and forwards maintained possession, but A&M-Corpus Christi was not able to convert it to scoring opportunities. Delaney recorded the only shot on goal for the Islanders for the remainder of the half.
The Islanders recorded four shots, two on goal, while the defense held the Bearkats to five just shots on goal, including the penalty, from their 13 chances. Brooke Erdmann and Jacey Love played the entire match in their first starts since the first weekend of the season.
Next weekend, A&M-Corpus Christi will begin a three-game homestand, starting with matches against Nicholls on Friday and Southeastern Louisiana on Sunday. Friday will be Islanders Soccer Kickin' Cancer match. KRIS-6 will provide pink rally towels, and the American Cancer Society will be in attendance to raise breast cancer awareness.
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