Early Penalty Kick Goal The Difference As Soccer Falls 1-0

An early penalty kick by Alabama A&M was the difference as TSU dropped a tough 1-0 decision Friday evening inside Alexander Durley Stadium.

Alabama A&M opened with an aggressive pace which saw them play on TSU’s side of the field for most of the first half. Despite AAMU’s offensive plan, TSU was up for the challenge defensively with a pair of blocks and saves early on. Around the 20th minute, TSU goalie Oriana Palacios assertively defended her post which caused her to receive a foul as she made contact with an AAMU forward. The foul led to a penalty kick goal to place the Bulldogs in a 1-0 lead by the 21st minute.

“It was another battle for us tonight, and unfortunately, a penalty kick for them was the difference,” said head coach Lindsay Vera. “Games like this remind us that we have to do the work in the first half to ensure a result.”

Sophomore Crisley Pavon and graduate student Carissa Reese each delivered shot attempts before the halftime buzzer. The Lady Tigers returned to the field with a strong offensive side in the second half with 14 shot attempts and four of those being on target attempts. Late in the contest, TSU made things interesting as they turned the tide offensively with several close attempts at the goal but couldn’t put the ball in the net. Defensively, Palacios retained her defensive post with four saves throughout the game.

“We have a big job ahead of us on Sunday,” Vera concluded.

The Lady Tigers conclude their Alabama conference games on Sunday as they take on Alabama State at 1 p.m. The match will offer free admission as groups are encouraged to sit together due to COVID-19 protocols. As of now, the contest will be streamed live via YouTube.