CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The Jacksonville State soccer team dropped its first road contest of the season with a 3-1 setback to Southeast Missouri on Friday night at Houck Field.
The Gamecocks fall to 0-2 on the season, while the Redhawks claimed their season opener. JSU will return to road activity on Tuesday, March 9 in Clarksville, Tennessee against Austin Peay.
SEMO struck early with a goal five minutes into the chilly contest as Lauren Welker delivered the ball into the left corner of the goal. The Redhawks controlled the offense for most of the opening half with eight of their 12 shots coming in the first 45 minutes. JSU, who finished strong in the second half with six shots, was limited to three in the first half.
"We struggled to play our game on the turf and it was hard to pass the ball," said head coach
Neil Macdonald. The girls battled hard and we had some excellent individual performances."
After SEMO tacked on a late goal before the intermission, the Gamecocks came out of the break with momentum early in the half after junior
Cephana Deane put the Gamecocks within a goal at the 47th minute of the match. Deane posted an unassisted header into the back of the net for her first goal of the season and second of her career.
JSU's comeback bid fell short with a late insurance goal by SEMO in the 71st minute.
The Gamecocks inserted freshman
Aneesa O'Brien into the keeper spot and the newcomer finished with five saves in her collegiate debut.
Macdonald saw great performance by sophomore
Briana Eads,
Brookelyn Still and
Kylie Wells. Eads led the Gamecocks with two shots on the night.
"I was delighted to get some of our younger players in who all competed well," added Macdonald.
Tuesday's match against the Govs is set for 2 p.m. on the APSU campus.
For more information on the JSU soccer team, follow the Gamecocks on Twitter (@JSUGamecocksSOC) and Instagram (@JSUGamecocksSOC). For more on all Gamecocks sports teams, follow the official social media accounts of JSU Athletics on Twitter (@JSUGamecocks), Facebook (Facebook.com/JSUGamecocks) and Instagram (@JSUGamecocks).
