SEARCY, Ark. – SWOSU Soccer created several early chances but could not find an equalizer after allowing a first-half goal in Saturday's 1-0 loss to Great American Conference-leading Harding.
The Bulldogs finished with 12 shots, including five on goal, while Harding totaled 15 attempts with six on target. The match's only goal came in the 20th minute following a Harding corner kick.
SWOSU opened on the attack and forced three saves during the first 10 minutes. Kinsey Geasland produced the first opportunity in the fifth minute before Raniya Cattina and Saoirse Hourigan each placed attempts on goal during the early push.
Harding responded with pressure of its own and broke through at the 19:12 mark. SWOSU quickly looked for an answer, with Hourigan forcing another save less than two minutes later. Geasland added three more attempts before halftime as the Bulldogs entered the break trailing 1-0 despite placing four of their seven shots on goal.
Scoring opportunities became more limited after halftime, but SWOSU remained within one goal throughout. Madelyn Kitchen produced the Bulldogs' lone shot on target of the second half in the 57th minute, while Hourigan added two more attempts later in the period.
SWOSU earned a corner kick with just over 15 minutes remaining and continued searching for the equalizer. Laia Costa registered the Bulldogs' final shot in the 83rd minute, but Harding protected its advantage through the closing minutes.
Hourigan and Geasland led SWOSU with four shots apiece. Hourigan placed two on goal, while Geasland, Cattina and Kitchen each added one.
Lelu Lamb made five saves in goal. The Bulldog defense limited Harding to three shots on target after halftime to keep the deficit at one.
SWOSU moved to 4-3-4 overall and 2-2-1 in GAC play. The Bulldogs return home Wednesday, October 7, to face Southern Nazarene at 3 p.m. at the SWOSU Soccer Field.
