Despite multiple chances throughout the game, the LSU soccer team tied Northwestern State University, 1-1, in its home opener Tuesday night.
“It’s definitely an eye opener,” said sophomore forward Jorian Baucom. “We came in overconfident and the bottom line is they stepped up to play tonight and we didn’t.”
LSU (1-0-1) defeated the Lady Demons (1-1-1) last year by a score of 6-2. This year’s game was a physical contest to prepare LSU for the rugged play in the Southeastern Conference.
“It was a decently physical game,” said LSU coach Brian Lee. “I don’t think either team was particularly dirty or anything. Northwestern State was putting in a good effort and once you get to overtime the fatigue sets in and there can be a late tackle or two but I thought it was just a hard fought game.”
The Tigers controlled possession for the majority of the first half behind the solid play of senior midfielder Natalia Gomez-Junco. The Lady Demons’ back line contained the dynamic duo of forwards Summer Clarke and sophomore Jorian Baucom.
Baucom had a run in the box in the 26th minute, but it was halted by Northwestern State’s freshman defender Ysmina Smith.
Baucom had two more opportunities late in the first half but failed to convert on each. In the 37th minute, Baucom was able to get her foot on the ball after a chaotic scrum in the box but the ball hit off post, and senior midfielder Fernanda Pina missed high on the rebound.
Baucom’s best chance came in the 41st minute when she was given a penalty kick, but her shot was blocked by Northwestern State senior goalkeeper Brooke Bourbonais.
The Tigers finally broke through early in the second half when freshman Alex Thomas scored her first goal of the season after a brilliant run through the right side of the Northwestern State defense in the 52nd minute.
The New Orleans native is a product of Ben Franklin High School. She was a two-time winner of the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year award and a highly-touted recruit.
“Alex had a really good preseason with us,” Lee said. “Against their system the flank was open and she really took advantage. She could’ve had a couple assists earlier as well. On that final move Gabriela Maldonado did a nice job of opening them up to give her a channel inside. Alex is a good goal scorer who has developed into a really good right back for us.
The LSU defense was caught flat-footed late in the second half when freshman forward Kayleigh Phillips netted the equalizer in the 83rd minute.
The game went to overtime, during which LSU had several opportunities to come away with the win. Pina was unable to convert on an empty net with 46 seconds left in the second overtime period.
The Tigers will have a much-needed two day break after 110 minutes of soccer before they face Western Kentucky (1-2-1) at home Friday night.