Defender Mckenzie Robinson makes a kick.

PHOTO COURTESY OF A-STATE ATHLETICS

The Arkansas State soccer team (3-5-5, 0-4-3 SBC) took on the Appalachian State Mountaineers (6-4-5, 3-1-2 SBC) in an intense game that ended with Arkansas falling short with a 2-1 loss. 

The game opened with Arkansas State keeping possession on the pitch, with 7 shots on goal. However, forward Izzie Wood from Appalachian State shot a top right corner goal in the 27th minute to begin the Mountaineers lead early in the game. 

The Red Wolves had three great opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net in the first half, but all attempts were stopped by App State, keeping them from catching up to the Mountaineers. The first half ended with a score of 1-0. 

A great chance to win back a goal was given to the Red Wolves in the second half,  in nearly the same situation they had found themselves in with the Mountaineers just last season, when a penalty was awarded. Taken by midfielder Omamuzo Edafe, A-State came close to tying up the game but Edafe’s shot came up short and was saved by Mountaineers goalkeeper Sarah Wommack. 

Less than five minutes later, the Mountaineers came back and scored a great goal by forward Izzie Wood, leaving the score at 2-0 in the 74th minute of the game.

A-State quickly responded, with a goal from senior defender Mckenzie Robinson at the 80 minute mark, with senior defender Nicoline Hansen giving the assist. This goal was the first of Robinson’s career, with it being a third assist from Hansen this season. 

Going into the final minutes of the game, the Red Wolves just could not pick up another goal against the Mountaineers, ending in their first loss since October 10th against the University of Louisiana Monroe.

The Red Wolves were outshot 17-14 by the Mountaineers, and are currently ranked 13th of 14 in the Sun Belt. There are now only three regular season games left for the 2024 season. The Red Wolves current record is now 3-5-5, and they are currently winless in conference play. 

Categories: Sports