Troy Falls to Southeastern Louisiana on Overcast Evening

Friday, August 27

Troy, AL

4:00 p.m.

Troy University

Southeastern Louisiana University

Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer

Troy Falls to Southeastern Louisiana on Overcast Evening

8/27/2010 7:37:48 PM | Soccer

Trojans controlled the tempo for much of the first half

By: Ben Maxwell

Box Score

TROY, Ala. – The Troy University Trojan soccer team controlled the tempo for much of the first half and for a portion of the second half, but it was a mishap in the back in the early stages that cost the Trojans a chance for a draw or victory on an overcast Friday evening at the Trojan Soccer Complex.

After a torrential downpour in the early afternoon and the threat of showers throughout the match, the field was drenched in areas. Even with the unpleasant conditions on the field, the Trojans found themselves in a seemingly stalemate against the Lions.

The only goal of the match came from within the first 90 seconds of the match when a corner kick deflected off a Trojan defender and into the net, helping Southeastern Louisiana grab a 1-0 road victory over the Trojans.

“We came out lackadaisical and they were able to capitalize on our mistakes in the first half,” said head coach Chris Bentley. “We did a good job bouncing back, however we just couldn't capitalize on the opportunities that we had throughout the match.”

Despite the early setback, the Trojans were able to hold their opponent scoreless for the remainder of the match. Troy was able to create opportunities to reclaim the match and score the equalizer by recording eight total shots, however they were unable to find their marks. Sophomore Ruth Sutcliffe showed a valiant effort up front while coming away from the match with four shots, three being on frame.

“Anytime you lose it's disappointing, but we still have good spirits,” Bentley said. “We just need to work on completing our passes and finishing opportunities.”

Troy controlled the tempo in the first half after the early goal, and they were able to control possession for the majority of the remaining 44 minutes in the opening half. However, the team started to push for the equalizing goal in the second half and were unable to control the possession game like they did in the first half.

"We were able to control the action in the first half," Bentley said. "We had our chances, and were able to create opportunities. We had our chances but we just couldn't finish in the final third of the pitch to score a goal. To Southeastern Louisiana's credit, they played their style of play in the second half."

Troy (1-1) had a chance late on a pass to Mary Morris outside the box, and then she was able to find Sutcliffe on a cross. After the sophomore lost her footing, she was able to turn on her defender and beat the goalkeeper on a cross back to Morris. The ball from Sutcliffe brought the crowd to their feet, as Morris got a ball at her feet but her skipped on the wet surface and she just missed her target. That was the final opportunity for the Trojans on the day.

The Trojans were still able to come away from a worthy opponent, who had won their conference and saw an NCAA tournament berth in 2009, with a positive outlook.

“This game was a great learning experience,” said Bentley. “Southeastern Louisiana is very quick and athletic and was a worthy opponent that we hope we can learn from this match.”

In two matches this season, the Trojans have outscored their opponents 6-2 without allowing an opposing to net a goal - recording two own goals on the season.

The Trojans return to action next Friday when they host Mississippi State at 3 p.m. as part of the second annual Trojan Classic tournament inside the Trojan Soccer Complex.

Admission is free to all Troy home soccer matches. Follow Troy Athletics on Twitter @TroyAthletics, and become a fan on Facebook.