COURTESY OF THE SUN BELT CONFERENCE: Hailey Furio takes the winning free kick in A-State’s 1-0 win over Louisiana. Furio’s free kick sends A-State to the program’s first ever SBC final. 

The Arkansas State soccer team advanced to the Sun Belt Conference Championship for the first time in program history when the Red Wolves took down Louisiana 1-0 Friday night.

Another stout defensive performance and a moment of magic late from Hailey Furio sent the Red Wolves on their way to the final match of the tournament on Sunday.

Much like A-State’s match with the Ragin’ Cajuns in Jonesboro earlier this year, this match was another tightly contested game. The Red Wolves really took control in the second half and pinned Louisiana in their own half. In the 89th minute, A-State was awarded a free kick just a few yards outside the box.

Furio stepped up to take the kick and the junior connected sweetly with the ball as her shot flew past the Louisiana keeper into the bottom right corner.

The Red Wolves posted their ninth shutout of the season against the Ragin’ Cajuns and Hannah Maupin dominated at the left back position for A-State. Center backs Dana O’ Boye and Julianna Coates along with right back Haley Husted played strongly once again while Maupin shut down the Ragin’ Cajuns’ right side. Maupin also provided attacking support and passed the ball with great success on the night.

First Team- All Sun Belt forward Sarah Sodoma caught an injury in the first half after a Louisiana player hit Sodoma’s side. Sodoma continued to play in the first half but did not come into the match in the second half until very late in the game.

Megan McClure had another great night for A-State as the junior keeper made five saves against the Ragin’ Cajuns.

A-State takes on the winner of the No. 1 South Alabama and No. 5 Georgia State. The championship match is set for Sunday at 1 p.m.

Categories: Sports