APSU finished 0-1-1 to open conference play this weekend as the Govs traveled to Eastern Kentucky on Friday, Sept. 15, which ended as a tie and to Belmont on Sunday, September 17, where they fell 3-2.
The Govs looked to ride the momentum they gained last weekend and continue their current win streak.
Defense was key to the beginning stages of the game, as the Govs defense survived an early onslaught from the Colonels, which featured six corner kicks.
The first half of play remained even until the Govs finally broke onto the scoreboard in the 33rd minute of play. Morgan Jackson sent a cross from the left side of the field, where Kirstin Robertson was able to find the bottom-right of the net. The Govs held the early advantage over the Colonels 1-0 and took that lead into the half.
After the half, the tight contest continued as neither team was able to pull away with momentum. Both of the teams’ defenses remained stout, until the Colonels finally got on the board in the 63rd minute of the game, after Haley Kemper put the ball in the net from a header.
As the game sat at a 1-1 tie, both teams looked for a difference maker through the closing minutes, but neither found one, as regulation came to an end in a draw.
Extra-time followed, and APSU had chances to break the tie, but were unable to as the Colonels defense held off the Govs attack. The rest of the game remained a tight battle, and finally came to an end 1-1.
In the Govs’ second game of the weekend, they came up short at Belmont, falling 3-2.
The game featured a faster pace than the one prior, as Belmont scored in the 19th minute of the game to claim an early 1-0 lead after Emily Whitcomb was able to find the back of the net.
Not long after, in the 26th minute of the game, Sydney Carson scored the second goal of the night for the Bruins, taking a 2-0 lead.
APSU fired right back in the 29th, as Claire Larose gave the Govs their first goal of the night. Immediately after, in the 30th minute of the game, Pamela Penaloza scored to tie the game at two.
The game remained even throughout much of the second half, however Belmont finally pulled away, scoring in the 85th minute of the game Kameron Ziesig secured the Bruins’ win.
APSU will host SIUE as they look to get back on the winning side of things, Belmont will host Eastern Illinois, and both games will be held on Friday, Sept. 22.
