HUNTSVILLE, Ala. | They say it is tougher to hold a two-goal lead and the Alabama A&M University women's soccer team found that out during Sunday's Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) match against Texas Southern.
Alabama A&M took a 2-0 lead into the half on goals by
Jameela Barrett and
Unique Ward, but saw the lead disappear within a four-minute span early in the second half. However, the Bulldogs (2-15 overall, 2-6 SWAC) responded with four second-half goals, including two within a pair of minutes to capture a 6-2 Senior Day victory at the Bulldog Soccer Field.
The Bulldogs' six goals were the most the program had scored on an opponent since an 8-0 defeat of South Carolina State, which was Sept. 19, 2021 at the Bulldog Soccer Field.
AAMU broke open the scoring in the seventh minute as Barrett beat Texas Southern goalkeeper Alessandra Bastidas to the far left corner, giving the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead.
In the 18
th minute it was Ward's opportunity, as her shot slid past a diving Bastidas as the Bulldogs doubled the advantage to 2-0.
Back came Texas Southern (5-12-1, 4-4-1) as Liliane Baez and Hajar Benjoud notched goals in the 48
th and 52
nd minutes as the Tigers stormed back, tying the game at 2.
But on Senior Day, Alabama A&M would not be denied victory as
Victoria Mealing's goal in the 53
rd minute proved to be the game winner.
The Bulldogs kept the 3-2 advantage until the 71
st minute as
Ma'Kayla Prince converted a penalty kick and two minutes later,
Janiah Bolden first a shot pass Bastidas for the goal as Alabama A&M pushed the margin to 5-2.
AAMU wasn't done as Mealing picked up her brace with the second goal in the 77
th minute as the Bulldogs closed out the Senior Day festivities with a 6-2 victory.
With the win, Alabama A&M controls its destiny for next month's 2023 SWAC Women's Soccer Tournament. The Bulldogs are tied with Alabama State for the final spot (based on winning percentage).
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Lilana Ribeiro made the start in goal for AAMU, logging all 90 minutes and recording nine saves
Alessandra Bastidas tallied five saves for TSU
Alabama A&M outshot Texas Southern, 17-12, including an 8-5 advantage in the second half
The Bulldogs held a 9-8 advantage in corner kicks
There were a total of 16 fouls called
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs conclude their homestand with the annual rivalry game against Alabama State on Friday. Kickoff against the Hornets is set for 3 p.m. at the Bulldog Soccer Field.
For complete coverage of Alabama A&M Athletics, check out the official homepage at www.aamusports.com. Remember to follow us on social media: Instagram (@aamuathletics) and Twitter (@_aamuathletics).
