In a high-energy matchup from start to finish, LSU soccer drew Texas A&M 2-2 on Friday at Ellis Field.
While not a win, the Tigers still added one point to their SEC ranking with the tie, which means everything as time narrows down on the regular season, and the SEC tournament is right around the corner.
From the moment fans entered the stadium the energy was electric. There was not an empty seat in sight and the fans were loud. The Aggie faithful was letting LSU know this match was going to be a rollercoaster of emotions, from excitement to the cries of agony from lack of calls.
“It’s a difficult place to come and play, so really happy with the determination and grit from the team,” head coach Sian Hudson said about her team’s performance.
After the game, LSU is sitting at the No. 13 spot, and it needs to jump to No. 12 or better in the last two games or it won’t be heading to Pensacola, Florida.
Heading into the matchup, the Aggies stood at No. 9 with a conference record of 3-4-0. The Tigers have yet to win an SEC away game, and after tying this one, they have just one more chance—on Sunday, when they play Missouri.
As the match kicked off the energy was high in the stadium. The Aggie players as well as the fans were loud and proud. The Tigers took the ball first and made their way downfield after a grueling fight with the Aggies to keep it in the box.
Playing in Ellis Field is not an easy task, and ball control would be everything in this game. Less than five minutes into the game both teams already had one shot attempt, searching for an opening in the defense which was just not there.
LSU left the first half with two shot attempts, while A&M had nine. The two teams were scoreless after half. The Tigers knew they’d need to kick it into gear for the second half.
LSU’s defense needed to ensure there were no gaps for the Aggies’ offense to dribble the ball up the field; their offense was strong and controlled in the first half.
A&M started the second half off strong, making two shot attempts only three minutes in. This is an area where LSU lacked all night. The Tigers could not get enough offensive opportunities to make many shot attempts.
Shortly after the Aggies took control of the ball and dribbled it downfield, LSU left the box wide open and Aggie Makhiya McDonald sank the ball into the goal, giving the lead to the Aggies.
But LSU responded shortly after.
Less than two minutes after the goal, LSU was given a penalty kick. Sydney Cheesman successfully shot the ball into the net and tied the game up 1-1.
With a little less than 30 minutes left in this game, the Tigers switched out four players to bring in key players: Ida Hermannsdóttir, Ava Galligan and Jocelyn Ollivierre. Hoping to take the lead as time ran out, LSU needed to put its best foot forward.
The A&M fans flew out of their seats when a handball went uncalled. The Aggie head coach yelled at the referee, which resulted in the call of a yellow card for the team.
After the upsetting call for A&M, the Tigers took advantage and dribbled the ball down. Galligan sank the ball into the goal and gave LSU the lead it was looking for.
After this big play, A&M’s head coach let his anger get the best of him, yelling what can only be assumed as very foul language. The referee raised his red card and ejected the head coach at the 63-minute mark.
Walking slowly and in no hurry, A&M’s head coach took his leave and would not return.
“I think he should have gotten the red card about five minutes earlier, but it’s an emotional battle,” Hudson said.
In this game, the Aggies came to show their pride for the Maroon and white, packing the stadium with parents, alumni and students. There was no questioning the emotions in the stadium. From highs to lows, there was relentless cheering and noises of all kinds.
There was never a loss of energy throughout the whole game, and A&M fans kept the stadium charged with excitement.
Ending in a draw, the Aggies and Tigers each walked away with a point for the SEC rankings.
Although not the desired outcome for the Tigers, they have a chance again this Thursday, facing Vanderbilt at home. It’s LSU’s last home game and the match starts at 6 p.m.
