JACKSONVILLE – A second half goal by North Alabama was the difference in a tough setback for the Jacksonville State soccer team in its final non-conference home test as the Lions fended off the Gamecocks, 1-0, on Sunday afternoon at the Jax State Soccer Complex.
UNA's Alice Busey was able to get past the Jax State defense in the 54th minute after a service down the left side of the pitch from Grace Ellis. Busey's goal broke up the scoreless in-state tussle. UNA survived a late push by the Gamecocks to equalize, including a goal by the home side that was negated by a foul.
It was a defensive struggle throughout as the two clubs combined for 14 total shots and one corner kick opportunity for both squads. The Lions edged the Gamecocks, 8-6, in total shots as Bussey led her side with three shots. Jax State senior
Vanessa Mejia collected three shots to lead the Gamecocks on the afternoon.
"On games like today, we had our chances but the margin of victory and defeat is so small, so the little details matter," said head coach Sean Fraser. "Sometimes you can play this game and win it multiple times and, on this occasion, we lost it."
Jax State had a shot ricochet off the top post late in the contest and the goal was scored by the Gamecocks was erased due to obstruction. In a physical contest between two rivals, there were 16 combined fouls and three yellow cards issued.
Sophomore
Camryn Davis, sophomore
Naroa Domenech and junior
Laleh Lonteen all contributed shots. Sophomore goalkeeper
Bailey Dean finished with three stops.
The Gamecocks conclude the non-conference portion of the 2023 schedule on Thursday, September 14 in Montgomery, Alabama against the Hornets of Alabama State. The match is set for 6 p.m. on the ASU campus. Following Thursday's road outing, Jax State will open its first season of Conference USA, hosting another CUSA newcomer, Sam Houston. The CUSA opener is set for 1 p.m. at the Jax State Soccer Complex.
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