THE HILL | The Alabama A&M University women's soccer team opened the 2026 season with a hard-fought 2-1 loss to Southern Illinois-Edwardsville on Wednesday evening at the AAMU Soccer Field.
The Bulldogs (0-1) struck first in the 37th minute when Jordyn Washington found the back of the net to give Alabama A&M an early 1-0 advantage. SIUE responded just before halftime as Claire Nieroda converted a penalty kick in the 42nd minute, sending the teams into the break tied at 1-1.
SIUE took the lead early in the second half with a goal off an assist in the 53rd minute. Alabama A&M continued to apply pressure throughout the final 45 minutes, recording six second-half shots and five corner kicks.
Washington paced the Bulldog attack with three shots, including two on goal and AAMU's lone score. Ryan McLemore and Moriah Watkins each added two shots, while Renee Miller recorded a shot on goal. Goalkeeper Adriana Durango played all 90 minutes and finished with six saves.
Alabama A&M finished the contest with 10 shots, four on goal, and held a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks. SIUE recorded 13 shots with nine on target. The Bulldogs nearly found the equalizer late in the match, but Watkins' attempt in the 87th minute hit the crossbar, allowing the Cougars to hold on for the 2-1 victory.
UP NEXT
Alabama A&M returns to action on Aug. 20 with a 5 p.m. match against West Florida.
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