By: Arrion Ellis | Sports Writer

The Texas A&M University-Commerce soccer team’s two game winning streak came to an end on Sunday, Sept. 15 with a 2-1 overtime loss to Emporia State.

The loss causes the Lions to fall to an overall record of 2-1-1 while the Hornets improve to 3-1.
The match started off with some intensity as both sides had shots on goal within the first 10 minutes. Naomi Sink had one shot and the Hornets had two, but only one of them were on target.

In the 15th minute, the Lions capitalized on a scoring opportunity to take a 1-0 lead. After an on-target corner kick from Amber Crews, the Hornets goalkeeper made a diving deflection that rebounded to Jocelyn McDonough.

After the goal, neither side could make pushing attempts. Both sides battled until the half and right before the half came to a close Jen Peters made a save at the 41st minute mark to keep the Lions ahead.

Starting the second half the Lions got right back to it. In the first couple of minutes in the half, the Lions got two early shots that were on-target, but could not find its way past the Hornets goalkeeper.
Later in the half you could see the momentum switching as the fight in the Hornets was becoming very noticeable. In the 62nd minute the Hornets capitalized on a push that led to Mackenzie Dimarco tying up the score 1-1.

After the goal from the Hornets the Lions seemed worn out and the Hornets just kept pushing as they controlled the ball possession late in the half. The Hornets would have some opportunities late in the half but they were off target or not strong enough to get past Peters. Peters kept the score tied at 1-1, sending the game to overtime.

In the overtime period the Lions were out hustled by the Hornets. The Hornets controlled the ball, having five shots and restrained the Lions from having any shots.

Even with Peters having three saves in the overtime period a final attempt by Dimarco just found its way past her, ending the game 2-1.

“I felt like we went forward OK,” Head Coach Neil Piper said on his thoughts on the result. “We created some chances. But they play like us. That’s what makes it frustrating. We got beat at our own game today. But luckily this is not a regional game. This game is still important but not as important as a regional game. Hopefully we learn from it. We just got beat at our own game today, that’s what makes it sting that much worse.”

The Lions ended with 13 shots compared to the Hornets 18 and Peters finished with six saves in the match, including three in the overtime period.

Next Matchup:

The Lions will next face off against East Central for an away game at 1 p.m. in Ada, Oklahoma on Saturday, Sept. 21.