After six consecutive games without a win, LSU soccer’s fate would come down to one match–or in this case, one goal.
In the high-stakes regular season finale, Ida Hermannsdottir scored the lone goal of the match, sending LSU to the SEC Tournament.
The game-winner could not have been more crucial, as it was the Tigers last chance to keep their season alive, which was in jeopardy after a series of poor results in conference play.
Before the match, the Tigers remained in the No. 13 spot, just one position shy of tournament qualification. They were sinking below the surface when Hermannsdottir became their lifeline.
In the end, LSU finished the season strong and snagged a top 12 spot heading into the postseason.
“I am absolutely thrilled,” said head coach Sian Hudson. “What an unbelievable finish by Ida [Hermannsdottir]. We knew it was going to take a big player in a big moment for us. I don’t know that she could’ve put the ball anywhere else other than the top corner, but it was an absolute belter.”
Both teams were unable to make any headway in the first 45 with two hyper-vigilant defenses only allowing a handful of shots on both ends.
LSU’s biggest opportunity came when Mollie Baker sent a shot flying into the crossbar, ricocheting onto the goal line and back into play. The play went under review after it was suspected the ball had crossed the line, which would be a goal for the Tigers. Unfortunately for them, the referee concluded there was no goal scored and the game continued.
By halftime, it was still anyone’s game with both teams almost even in shots but had nothing to show for it.
In the second half, both teams were playing to win, but Missouri’s defense was still holding up LSU and preventing them from taking more shots on goal. Anticipation was at an all-time high when Hermannsdottir finally found her opening.
A sequence of passes through the midfield and down towards the 18 led to an awaiting Hermannsdottir on her way to the goal. Once in possession, she was square with the goalkeeper when she chose her shot, out of reach right into the upper left corner.
“I was just determined to come on and make a difference,” said Hermannsdottir in a post-game interview with SEC Network. “I haven’t scored in the last few games. I was just ready for that feeling today, and no better day to do that.”
The goal was her 8th of the season, which puts her among the top scorers in the SEC.
Missouri was down with a little over 20 minutes remaining, and only needed a draw to maintain its safe standing. In the second half alone, it outshot LSU 13-3 and earned seven corner kicks.
All of Missouri’s efforts proved futile, as LSU’s defensive barricade would not budge.
“We had a ton of grit and resilience and got the job done,” said Hudson. “Gabbi [Ceballos] was fantastic for us. Jazmin Ferguson and Sydney Cheesman were absolute beasts at center back. Everyone just chipped in.”
Sophine Kevorkian started in goal after getting her first taste of playing time this season on Thursday night against Texas A&M. She continued to impress with five saves in the match and is 2-2 in clean sheets.
“I am thrilled for Sophine [Kevorkian],” Hudson said. “It was a massive team effort out there today.”
In the 90th minute, Missouri put every player into LSU’s box for one final goal attempt but was denied for the last time. The whistle blew and it was a purple and gold celebration for the game-winner and a team that finally became victorious when they needed it most.
“I am really proud of all the girls,” Hudson said. “We’ve talked this week about needing four points in our final two matches of the regular season, and they found a way to grind out two clean sheets here at the end of the season.”
The Tigers will play in the first round of the SEC Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 3. Their opponent will be determined after Wednesday’s Tennessee and Florida matchup.
“I don’t know who we’ll be playing yet in Pensacola, but I know that this team is coming up at the right time,” said Hudson. “We’re excited to go to the beach.”
Six weeks and ten games later, LSU’s regular season has come to a dramatic close, but the fun is not quite over yet.
