TXST SOCCER
Texas State made another dramatic comeback as the Bobcats tied the Arkansas State Red Wolves 2-2 after freshman Sydney Bassa scored the equalizer on the penalty kick in the 65th minute.
Though disappointed with the tie at home, Head Coach Steve Holeman was still proud of the team for their efforts after trailing at halftime.
“It was a pretty good game,” Holeman said. “Both teams scored on the set-piece [which] we knew were going to be really important in this game. [Just] disappointed with a draw. I mean, we had so many opportunities to win this game.
“It’s just unfortunate that outside circumstances cost us a result and a couple of points. There isn’t much we can do about that. All we can control is what we can do. Our girls fought hard and we did some really good stuff tonight.”
The Bobcats improved their record to 6-34 overall and 2-0-2 in conference play. Despite the tie, Texas State is now in sole possession of first place in the Sun Belt West division following South Alabama’s loss to Old Dominion.
Texas State struck first in their showdown with the Red Wolves after sophomore midfielder Kaylie Smith scored in the 17th minute to put the Bobcats up 1-0. It was Smith’s first goal as a Bobcat since transferring from Mississippi State.
Arkansas State tied the game in the 24th minute when Red Wolf forward Emma Riley found the back of the net following the assist from midfielder Emma Riales.
The Red Wolves later took the lead in the 40th minute right before halftime when midfielder Keelyn Peacock scored the goal, allowing Arkansas State to take a 2-1 lead.
Trailing by one in the second half, the Bobcats worked desperately to tie the game only to be met by a tough Arkansas State defense.
In the 65th minute, Texas State found their opportunity. Following a Bobcat corner, Arkansas State committed a foul inside the penalty box, giving Texas State the penalty kick.
With Bassa taking the shot, the freshman forward beat the goalkeeper as the Bobcats tied the game up at 2-2.
Texas State once again tried the Arkansas State defense but couldn’t find the game winning goal with the game ending in a draw.
The Bobcats will be back on the road this Thursday for a showdown with the Troy Trojans. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
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