Oct. 18, 2013
JONESBORO, Ark. - Arkansas State only fired four shots but three of them found the back of WKU's goal on Friday afternoon as the Lady Toppers dropped their first-league match of the season at the ASU Soccer Complex, 3-0.
The Lady Red Wolves (8-6-2, 3-3) struck eight minutes into the first half on an own goal by WKU (7-4-4, 5-1), who misplayed an Arkansas State corner kick and accidentally knocked the ball into its own goal. Arkansas State's Loren Mitchell delivered the final blows late in the second half, scoring two goals in a three minute span to put the Lady Toppers out of reach.
The loss is WKU's first regular-season Sun Belt Conference loss since Sept. 30, 2012 when they lost in overtime at FIU, 1-0.
WKU outshot the Lady Red Wolves 8-4 and held the ball in Arkansas State territory for a large portion of the game, but none of the Lady Toppers' four shots on goal found the net.
WKU's best chances came at the end of the first half and beginning of the second period, as freshman Haley Baldridge and senior Chrissy Tchoula were able to serve the ball into Arkansas State's box consistently. Baldridge and senior Andrea Curry paced WKU offensively with two shots each.
Senior goalkeeper Nora Abolins' goalless streak was snapped at 582:30 after the Lady Red Wolves' early score, marking the second-longest goalless streak in program history. Before Friday's goals allowed, WKU had shutout its previous five opponents and not allowed a goal since Sept. 22.
WKU still controls its own destiny in the Sun Belt Conference regular-season title race and looks to rebound Sunday at UALR. First touch is set for 1 p.m. (CT) at the Coleman Sports and Recreation Complex. Fans can follow the action live on Twitter at @WKU_GameDay. For tickets and more information, call 1-800-5 BIGRED or visit WKUSports.com.
