Soccer Falls 2-1 In Regular Season Finale

A late second-half goal was the difference as Texas Southern dropped a 2-1 decision to Prairie View A&M in both teams’ regular-season finale Friday inside Durley Stadium.

The Tigers came out blazing from kickoff as senior, Lemauriel Johnson, had a shot attempt within the first 10 seconds of the match. TSU’s offense remained strong throughout the first half with attempts by Carissa Reese and Lex Luna, while goalkeeper, Oriana Palacios defensively held her post with five saves.

The Panthers were able to penetrate the defense and score in the 18th minute as PVAMU connected on a goal 15 yards out for the early 1-0 lead. Texas Southern did not let that deter them as the Lady Tigers responded with a header goal by freshman Sammie Garcia on sophomore Crisley Pavon’s corner kick to even the match at 1-1 by the end of the first half.

In typical rivalry fashion, both teams played with high emotions and physicality. TSU received three yellow cards as a result with the third leading to a penalty kick being awarded to Prairie View in the 83rd minute. TSU initially made the stop on the kick but on the deflection, a Prairie View player was in position to kick the ball in during the 83rd minute for the 2-1 lead. The Tigers fought to the very end with a throw in which landed in front of the Prairie View A&M goal but the PVAMU goalie claimed the ball before TSU could get off a final shot attempt at the buzzer.

The Tigers finished the regular season with a 2-5 1 SWAC mark and a fifth-place finish. They are back in action Thursday for the 2021 SWAC Soccer Tournament at Prairie View A&M. The official bracket will be announced early next week.