Unlike their recent road trip to Chicago, late-game heroics evaded the Baylor soccer team as they suffered two tough 1-0 losses over the weekend, the first one coming Friday night against Samford in double overtime and again on Sunday against Auburn.
In Friday’s effort against Samford, the Bears found themselves in battle with the Bulldogs for 106 minutes before true freshman midfielder Allie Lourie’s shot deflected off the goal post and past junior goalkeeper Sara Martinson, ending the hopes for another late-goal victory.
Baylor had two more opportunities on goal than the Bulldogs did, but junior goalkeeper Anna Maddox kept the Bears out of the net.
“We had two games last week where we were able to put one away at the end,” said head coach Paul Jobson in a Baylor University press release. “Tonight we didn’t. That’s the game of soccer.”
Despite failing to score, the Bears’ defense continued its trademark aggressive style and made the Bulldogs work for every shot.
“They are extremely well-coached,” said head coach Todd Yelton in a press release on Samford University’s athletic website. “I think the one thing you have to tip your hat to Baylor is that they worked so hard. They made it very difficult to score.”
Unfortunately for Baylor, Sunday was not any easier. Not only did they have to face the Tigers on a short turnaround from Friday, but they were also forced to deal with the havoc of mother nature, forcing the Bears to sit and wait out two and a half hours for delays due to lightning.
After play resumed, the Bears came out and got down to business, putting the pressure on the Tigers’ defense, tallying 13 shots, including eight on goal. However, similarly to Friday’s match, the Bears were unable to put one past redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Sarah Le Beau.
Baylor was also caught having to watch sophomore forward Taylor Troutman net the game’s only goal in the 70th minute.
“We played a great Baylor team,” said Auburn head coach Karen Hoppa in a press release on Auburn’s athletic website. “They play a different style, and they’re tough to play against.”
Despite the loss, Jobson was still pleased with the effort he saw put forth.
“It was a great match, and I am proud of our girls,” Jobson said. “We have to get back at it again this week because Washington is another great team. We are ready to be home.”
The loss drops Baylor to 5-3-0 on the season but brings an end to the Bears’ recent four-game road trip. Baylor will begin the first of three home matches at 7 p.m. Friday when they host the Washington Huskies, the 30th ranked team in the country, at Betty Lou Mays Field.
