University Star

The Bobcats’ soccer club was unable to win either of the first two matchups in its five-game home stand, extending its losing and goalless streak to four games.

The team, 2-7-1, lost to Stephen F. Austin (6-2) in the closing minutes of the game on Friday and was defeated by McNeese State on Sunday.

A Bobcat defender fouled Ladyjack midfielder Kylie Louw in the box with seven minutes remaining, which resulted in a penalty kick for SFA. Louw scored and gave the Ladyjacks the game sealer to avenge last year’s championship lost to Texas State, 1-0.

“I thought we actually came in really well in the first half, and I honestly thought we came in the second half really well too,” Coach Kat Conner said. “We just made a silly mistake, and they got a (penalty kick.) And she finished it. It’s frustrating. (We) put together 83 minutes of a stellar performance and just made a silly mistake, and it cost us.”

The Bobcats were outshot 13-9, but only two of their attempts were on target.

“We’re just going to stay positive,” freshman midfielder Kristen Champion said. ”Our defending has been solid, and we’re just working on our set pieces. We are working on our offense, attacking the ball, and (we) just have to keep a positive mentality heading into Sunday.”

The club’s scoring woes continued Sunday as they took on the McNeese State Cowgirls (5-3-1), and weather conditions did not help. Texas State could not find the back of the net in wet and muggy conditions.

“I think we just need to settle down and figure out how to be dangerous in our attacking third and put it together,” sophomore midfielder Tori Hale said. “Obviously we’re working on our set pieces, and that has become a problem for us. We just need to put our hearts into more, and we’ll be fine.”

Throughout the game Sunday, the Bobcats had many opportunities to score, outshooting McNeese 13-5, but only had four of their shots on goal. The Cowgirls found the back of the net in the 34th minute to score the go-ahead goal and get the victory, 1-0.

“Today was frustrating, as again we made a costly mistake and (McNeese State) capitalized,” Conner said. “As a coach, the second half was very good, and we had some great opportunities in front of the goal. The players know it has been tough, and they have not given up. It will come.” 

Texas State has been outscored 9-1 in its current five-game slide. The Bobcats last scored in a defeat by Rice, 2-1, which began the losing streak. Texas State will try to end its struggles when it takes on Texas Southern at home on Friday.

Follow Odus Evbagharu on Twitter: @TState_Sports18