Texas State Beats Sam Houston State, 2-1
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SAN MARCOS, Texas - Tournament host Texas State defeated Sam Houston State 2-1 behind goals by Britney Curry and Jessica Elting in the second match on the opening day of the Southland Conference Soccer Tournament. Texas State now advances to face No. 1 seed Southeastern Louisiana at 7 p.m. on Friday.
In the 43rd minute, all-conference first-team honoree Curry scored from the corner on an assist from teammate Felicia Leask. The Bobcats took the early 1-0 lead on Curry's 14th goal of the season.
In the second half, Texas State's Elting belted a loose ball outside of the 18-yard box to score her second goal of the year. The Bobcat's led 2-0.
In the 85th minute, Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, Sam Houston State's Tricia Mallory scored from 25-yards out, to pull within one. The goal, with the assist given to teammate Kirby Zak, was Mallory's 11th of the season.
Sam Houston State's season ends with a 9-11-1 record. Texas State looks to Friday, when they will face Southeastern Louisiana. The Lady Lions hold the season advantage after 1-0 win in October over the Bobcats.
Postmatch quotes
Texas State coach Kat Conner
"We got past that mark (the first 15 minutes), and for us to get a goal with 1:30 to go in the first half, got them over the nervousness and start to pick up the pace a bit."
On overall analysis of the game:
"I think we played well. The first game is always a jittery game, so you're always nervous a little bit, but I think we got our confidence up and we're going to have to raise our level of play to beat Southeastern Louisiana."
On team's defensive play:
"I think we came out pretty strong and we knew we were going to have to stay tight since they play three up top."
Sam Houston State Coach Tom Brown
"I thought we changed things tactically and created early chances that could have put them (Texas State) away ealry. Texas State did a good job from back and forth, but I like how we got a goal late and overselves chances."