Southern Miss
Louisiana Tech
Golden Eagles Drop First Conference Game
9/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss opened Conference USA play with Louisiana Tech Sunday looking to start on the right note, but couldn't overcome playing a man down for 60 minutes.
The Golden Eagles fell to 5-2-0.
Early offensive pressure by Becky McMullan and Katie Richmond looked promising for the Golden Eagles as the two continued to drive into the Lady Techsters' territory. Richmond led the team with three shots and one on goal early in the first half.
The Golden Eagles were able to control possession and create plenty of scoring opportunities but couldn't convert in the first half. After turning the ball over on LA Tech's side of the field, Adriana Garcia received a red card after a challenge in the 28th minute of the game.
The Lady Techsters took advantage of the extra player and scored five minutes later when Au'Dresha Spates took a pass from Annabel Prior up the middle of the field to drive in the game's first goal.
Hannah Abrams continued to spread the defense with her offensive distribution but couldn't find the back of the net. Brittany Taylor made big plays keeping the Golden Eagles within striking distance.
The visitors extended their lead in the second half when Jenna Dages scored her third goal of the season after a mistake in the back from the Golden Eagles as Kathryn Sloan fed a pass across the box for an easy tap in for Dages in the 78th minute. Dages recorded her second goal of the game just two minutes later for the game's final goal.
The Golden Eagles continued to put pressure on the defense with a last chance effort by Breann Hedin with five seconds left on the clock but her shot went high of the goal. The Lady Techsters improved to 9-1-1.
The Golden Eagles return to action Thursday when they travel to Bowling Green, Ky., for a matchup against WKU in league play.
