The Women's Soccer Team put up a strong fight but ultimately fell 2-1 to Texas A&M-San Antonio in a hard-fought match on October 5, 2024, in Hobbs, NM. Despite a resilient performance, Southwest was unable to overcome an early two-goal deficit, dropping to 3-5-1 on the season and 1-5-0 in conference play.
Early Struggles
Texas A&M-San Antonio came out aggressive, scoring two quick goals within the first ten minutes of the match. Makayla Segura opened the scoring in the 9th minute with an unassisted goal, followed by another strike from Samara Lopez just over a minute later, assisted by Jasmin Dominguez. This early 2-0 lead put Southwest on the back foot, forcing them to play catch-up for the rest of the game.
A Glimmer of Hope
Southwest responded quickly, with forward Jadyn Duran finding the back of the net in the 15th minute, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Duran's unassisted goal provided a much-needed boost for the team, as they continued to press forward and create chances.
Despite several more shots on goal, including efforts from Maya Sanchez and Rylee Thatcher, Southwest couldn't find the equalizer. Goalkeeper Kristina Simpson played a pivotal role in keeping the game close, making seven saves to hold Texas A&M-San Antonio scoreless in the second half.
Second-Half Push
The second half saw Southwest push for an equalizer, but they were unable to break through the Texas A&M-San Antonio defense. The Jaguars' goalkeeper, Maram Abdeljaber, stood tall, making four crucial saves to deny Southwest a chance to level the match. Southwest managed three shots in the second half but couldn't convert, with Abdeljaber stopping a close-range shot from Rozlynn Ramsey and another effort from Maya Sanchez late in the game.
Missed Opportunities
Despite their best efforts, Southwest couldn't capitalize on several key moments, including corner kicks and set pieces. They finished the game with six total shots, five of which were on goal, compared to Texas A&M-San Antonio's 11 shots. Both teams were evenly matched in terms of corner kicks (4 each), but Southwest's offensive momentum faded as the game progressed.
Looking Ahead
Although the loss was a tough blow, Southwest showed grit and determination, especially in their defensive play during the second half. Kristina Simpson's standout performance in goal kept them in the game, while players like Jadyn Duran and Maya Sanchez offered sparks on offense.
Southwest will need to regroup and focus on finding consistency in their attack as they look to turn things around in their upcoming matches. With more disciplined play and better conversion of chances, this team has the potential to bounce back in future games.
The Lady Mustangs will be back in action on October 10th as they will travel to Victoria, Texas and take on the Huston Victoria Jaguars.
