Bobcats Defeats Bearkats 1-0

by Cheval John

Texas State Bobcats eliminated the Sam Houston State Bearkat soccer team in the semifinal round of the Southland Conference Post-Season Tournament last year in a penalty shoot out to advance to the championship game.

Since then, the Bearkats regrouped and returned all of their starters and were looking to avenge their loss on Sunday night when the Bobcats came to town in a non-conference match.

But it was not meant to be as the Bobcats defeated the Bearkats 1-0.

“I thought we had some good opportunities early on,” head soccer coach Tom Brown said.

“Unfortunately, we just didn’t capitalize on them.”

The Bobcats had possession of the ball for most of the game and kept the Bearkats out of rhythm.

They came out of the gate in the second half when Tori Hale blasted a shot from 18 yards that went wide.

They kept up the intensity as they created more chances that resulted in four more shots that either were on goal or went wide.

The Bearkats had their share of opportunities when freshman Ashley Alonzo blasted a shot inside the box, but was saved by Texas State goalkeeper Natalie Gardini.

It remained scoreless until the 85^th minute when Serena Hines went down the right side of the field and crossed it to the left post.

Goalkeeper Kyle Hambleton could not bring it in and Jourdan Brown  put it in the net for 1-0.

The Bearkats tried to equalize in the final five minutes, but ran out of time as they suffered their first loss of the season.

Their next game will be on Friday when they host the University of North Texas at 7 p.m.