Freshman midfielder Zoie Kempf competes for possession with Golden Eagles forward Raquelle Mitchell.

Photo by Abigail Leggett | Staff Photographer

Arkansas State soccer team (3-4-4,0-3-2 SBC) took on Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles (1-6-4, 0-2-4 SBC) in a down-to-the-wire game which ended with a late goal, leading to a 2-2 tie.

The game opened with the Southern Miss dominating the pitch, with 6 shots on goal. The game’s opening goal came from a Golden Eagles penalty kick after an A-State foul. The penalty was taken by sophomore Rebeka Vega of Southern Miss. 

Along with the goal, there were two shots on target by A-State that were saved by Southern Miss goalkeeper Kesaia Bruni.  A-State goalkeeper Damaris Deschaine made 2 great saves.  Deschaine would make 4 saves total in the game, and allowed 2 goals.

The Red Wolves managed to get 4 shots on goal, but could get a goal in the first half. Both teams fought hard, but the first half was dominated by Southern Miss who entered the half with a 1-0 lead. 

The Red Wolves started the second half strong with a goal from midfielder Keelyn Peacock with an assist by defender Sarah Strong, to even up the score. Vega made another attempt on goal, but it was saved by Deschaine.  

USM forward Adaira Nakano got the lead back for the Golden Eagles with a goal halfway through the game, managing to get a shot just beyond the reach of Deschaine. However, forward Emma Riley came back and scored a tying goal, assisted by forward Emma Riales, to even the score at 2-2. 

Both teams battled to the very end to get a leading score, but neither team’s shots were on target as the clock ran down to 0.  

This draw ties the school record for most draws in a season. 

The Red Wolves are currently ranked 13th overall in the Sun Belt. If the current state of play continues for the Red Wolves, then they will miss the Sun Belt Tournament.

Southern Miss outshot A-State 14-10 during the match. 

The Red Wolves record is now 3-4-4, and they are currently winless in conference play. There are only 5 regular season games left for the 2024 season.  

Categories: Sports