MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The Auburn University at Montgomery Warhawks women's soccer team (3-4-2; GSC: 1-3-0) battled the Montevallo Falcons (7-2-0; GSC: 3-1-0) on Wednesday evening at Varsity Soccer Field, ultimately falling 1-0 after Montevallo scored in the final minutes of regulation.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
The Warhawks came out attacking early, earning three corner kicks in the opening nine minutes and recording shots from freshmen Eva Hendriks and Lily Hillegas. Montevallo, ranked No. 3 in the Gulf South Conference, responded with pressure of its own, earning several corner kicks, including ones in the 13th and 15th minute.
Freshman goalkeeper Leslie Azouer kept the Falcons off the scoreboard with a save on Katelynn Kott in the 28th minute. Montevallo continued to threaten, but AUM's defense held firm as the Falcons' Kott took another shot, striking the crossbar, in the 33rd minute. The Warhawks continued to battle through the remainder of the half, while Montevallo's Elise Marquardt forced Azouer into back-to-back saves in the 42nd and 43rd minutes, making her second and third saves of the half.
AUM created a few additional opportunities late in the half, but neither team could find the back of the net as the match remained scoreless heading into halftime.
Second Half
The Warhawks faced continued pressure from the Falcons coming out of halftime, but Leslie Azouer kept AUM in the match with a series of key saves. Montevallo's Karsyn Ross struck the crossbar in the 47th minute before Azouer denied back-to-back attempts in the 50th minute. Azouer came up big again moments later, stopping a penalty kick in the 52nd minute to preserve the scoreless tie.
Montevallo continued to create chances throughout the half, with Azouer making additional saves on attempts in the 60th minute, 62nd minute and 69th minute. The Falcons threatened again in the 74th minute a shot struck the post, but AUM's defense continued to hold firm.
As the match moved into the final minutes, Azouer made one more save in the 79th minute, keeping the Warhawks level. However, Montevallo finally broke through in the 89th minute when Isabel Dillehay found the back of the net off an assist from Kott.
AUM was unable to find an equalizer in the closing seconds, as Montevallo held on for a 1-0 victory.
Notables
- Leslie Azouer recorded 10 saves against Montevallo's 23 shots, including a penalty-kick save in the 52nd minute.
- Azouer's 10 saves and 23 shots faced were both season highs for the freshman.
- AUM held the Falcons scoreless for nearly the entire match before Montevallo scored in the 89th minute.
- The Warhawks were limited to three shots, while Montevallo finished with 23 shots and 12 shots on goal.
- Eva Hendriks, Courtney Pigford and Lily Hillegas each played all 90 minutes for AUM.
Up Next
AUM will return to the AUM Soccer Stadium on Saturday, September 26, welcoming the UAH Chargers for a 1 p.m. kickoff, continuing conference play.
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