The ULM women’s soccer team (6-2) lost its second game of the season, falling 3-1 to the Sooners (6-1) in Norman on Thursday.
The Warhawks have now lost two consecutive games in Oklahoma this week.
ULM had higher hopes for its first match against the Sooners. Oklahoma, a current SEC team, contributed to the Warhawks’ struggle against the conference. The loss pushed ULM’s record to 0-10-1 against SEC opponents.
Both teams started the game with a strong offense, looking for an early advantage.
ULM got a corner kick midway through the game. Oklahoma quickly cleared the push and turned the play into a counterattack.
The Sooners took advantage of ULM’s high backline play. They pressed the Warhawks’ defenders and goalie, forcing a mistake. The Sooners’ offense quickly capitalized on a misdirected pass from ULM goalie Emerson Roberts. Oklahoma forward Hadley Murrell shot from outside the box into the top right corner to score the goal.
Oklahoma focused more on offense, moving their players forward. Attempting to stop another Oklahoma push, ULM forward Skylar Blaise mistimed a tackle on an opposing player, resulting in a yellow card.
The Sooners dominated the first half. Oklahoma had seven shots compared to ULM’s none.
During the break, the coaching staff adjusted their strategy and brought in fresh players to replace exhausted starters.
Hoping to regain control of the game, ULM coach Will Roberts changed the team’s tactics, focusing more on offense. This worked well for ULM as the Warhawks managed to get a penalty an hour into gameplay.
ULM defender Ally Richardson stepped up and scored a goal from a penalty, securing her second goal of the season.
Oklahoma retained possession, passing the ball around to create space for their striker. A long pass from the Sooner defender created an opportunity to retake the lead. The Sooner offense fired a left-footed shot, making the score 2-1.
Just three minutes later, the Warhawks conceded another goal, extending the Sooners’ lead 3-1.
ULM’s only two losses this season have come from away games. While the Warhawks have maintained an undefeated record at home in Brown Stadium, they seem to struggle on the road.
As they prepare for their next game against Troy on Sept. 21, the Lady Warhawks are eager to break their road curse and secure a victory.
