AUSTIN, Texas – Despite a second half equalizer in the 72nd minute of play by freshman striker Addie Eggleston, the LSU soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to the Texas Longhorns in Saturday’s preseason exhibition match held at Mike A. Myers Stadium.
After the Tigers earned a 2-1 preseason victory in Baton Rouge a year ago, Texas returned the favor with its 2-1 win Saturday night as the sides prepare for the start of the start of the regular season next weekend.
“This was a very positive experience for our young team,” said LSU head coach Brian Lee. “For our team to play against a good team like Texas in a hostile environment and work our way into the game was very encouraging to see. I’m proud of our kids for the way they competed throughout the game.”
The Longhorns jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the sixth minute of play as freshman Gabby Zarnegar buried a shot from the top of the six-yard box following a cross into the middle of the area by junior Kylie Doniak running down the left flank. Texas carried its 1-0 advantage into the halftime break.
The Tigers turned up the pressure in the second half and capitalized at the 71:52 mark as Eggleston scored the equalizer to tie the score at 1-1. Sophomore Catherine Luparello found Eggleston running free through the right side of the area when the Houston native floated a volley over the outstretched arms of the Texas goalkeeper Alexa Gaul to draw the Tigers level heading down the stretch.
But the momentum was short-lived as Texas answered with a goal nearly two minutes later as junior Lucy Keith scored the game-winning goal at the 73:36 mark with a shot from 10 yards inside the right post.
Eggleston was one of six LSU freshmen to crack the starting lineup in Saturday’s match against the Texas club as she was joined up top by Kaley Blades, in the midfield by Nina Anderson and along the defensive back line by Shannon McLain, Danielle Murphy and Alex Ramsey.
A total of 19 players saw action for the Tigers on the night as the club continues to prepare for the start of the regular season that is now just eight days away.
“I’m really happy with the composure that our young team showed tonight. They didn’t panic and worked their way back into the game after falling behind early on,” Lee said. “We have a lot to work on and some simple things we can definitely improve upon as we head toward the season opener next weekend. This is a great starting point for our team just one week into preseason training.”
The Tigers will return home to the LSU Soccer Complex next weekend as they open up the regular season on Aug. 22 with a match against the South Alabama Jaguars scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. CDT. It will be the first of nine home matches for the Tigers during the 2010 regular season.
LSU Soccer Season Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased for $35 for adults and $15 for youths at www.LSUtix.net. Reserve season tickets in the midfield bleacher backs can also be purchased for $50.