SAN MARCOS, Texas – HBU struck first but a pair of handball calls led to two Texas State penalty kicks, including in the 99
th minute, as the Huskies dropped a tough 2-1 matchup in overtime on Sunday evening at the Bobcat Soccer Complex.
The first shot attempt of the game came from Texas State (3-0-0) forward Kaylee Davis when her attempt early in the third minute found the left post. HBU (1-2-0) got a boost when junior
Noor Abukishk entered the game at the 23:09 mark. Less than a minute after she came on the pitch her shot attempt was stopped by the Bobcats' back line and freshman
Xya Balderas found the net on the rebound to give the Huskies the early 1-0 lead.
The first handball penalty came in the box during the 36
th minute, setting up the Bobcats' Davis for the first penalty kick, which she converted to even the score and send the two teams into the half tied 1-1.
The second half saw both sides put three attempts on goal with the Huskies taking six shots to the Bobcats' five. In the 56
th minute, a Texas State shot by Kamaria Williams seemed destined for the goal but HBU's
Bryce Reynolds slid in to clear the ball out just clear of the line. With the game still even at the end of regulation, it was time for the golden goal overtime. HBU looked dangerous early with
Tayah Reynolds putting a shot on target less than a minute in but the Bobcats' Heather Martin made the stop. The second PK of the game came on another handball call inside the box at the 98:25 mark and Davis converted to seal the Huskies' fate.
The Huskies held a 7-6 advantage in shots on goal though the Bobcats attempted 16 shots total the HBU's 12.
"Unfortunately, tonight, we didn't play a complete game," said head coach
Misty Jones. "Once we scored in the first half we needed to put the pressure on but we relaxed a bit and gave up an unfortunate penalty. We are young and are still figuring things out. To give up a second penalty in overtime was rough. We did a good job of handling their attack through the run of play. We had some moments where we played fantastic soccer. The important thing is to learn from our mistakes and get better with each game. I feel like our future is very bright."
HBU will be on the road for its next two matches beginning on Friday, Sept. 6, with a visit to Buffalo, N.Y. to face the Buffalo Bulls at 6:00 p.m. CDT followed by a visit to Niagara on Sunday, Sept. 8, at noon CDT.
