STATESBORO, Ga. – Troy soccer suffered its first defeat in five matches on Thursday evening, falling 2-1 to Georgia Southern.
The Trojans (3-9-4, 2-4-2 SBC) fell behind by two goals before pressuring late, with Melanie Oldner scoring in the 87th minute. Her goal and Taylor Richards efforts in net proved to fall just short; Richards tied her season high in saves with nine.
Georgia Southern (8-4-3, 3-3-1 SBC) began the match on the attack, putting its first shot on goal within the first minute of play, harmlessly rolling to Taylor Richards for her first save of the night.
The Eagles opened the scoring in the 12th minute, as Kendall Wilson converted a penalty kick following a Troy foul inside the 18-yard box.
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Troy's first shot of the day came from Alaina Uncapher, a strike from outside the final third that just missed the target.
Georgia Southern was awarded a second penalty in the 26th minute after a handball in the box. Wilson stepped up again, sending her attempt toward the top-left corner, but Richards punched the ball clear to keep the deficit at one.
Richards continued to keep Troy in the match, making eight first-half saves as the Trojans went to the halftime break down 1-0.
Following 17 first-half Georgia Southern shots, the Eagles scored on its first in the second 45 to double its advantage. The offensive attack finished with Kaitlin Cook using her left foot to tuck the ball over the arms of Richards.
Facing the two-goal deficit, Troy began to generate more offensive opportunities, and overall outshooting Georgia Southern in the second half.
The Trojans' offensive pressure finally paid off in the 86th minute, as Melanie Oldner scored her first goal of the season with a volley past the Georgia Southern goalkeeper.
Despite the late goal, Troy was unable to find an equalizer, as the Eagles controlled possession through the final four minutes to secure a 2-1 victory.
Quotable – head coach Jake Wyman
"I got the plan all wrong in the first half and we had to soak up way too much pressure and conceded two penalties during that time. I thought in the second half we got it right and were the better team. I'm proud of the girls' efforts tonight. Unfortunately I let them down with our tactical setup in the first half."
Notables
- Troy is now 6-8-2 all-time against Georgia Southern.
- Melanie Oldner 86th-minute goal was her first of the season and second of her career.
- Taylor Richards seventh save of the evening was the 150th of her career.
Up next
Troy will celebrate Senior Day on Sunday in its final home match of the season. Kickoff against Arkansas State is set for 12:30 p.m., with Senior Day festivities taking place prior to the match.
