No. 8 Texas A&M soccer wins fifth in a row, beating LSU 2-1 on senior night
No. 8 Texas A&M (6-1) extended its win streak to five games after defeating the LSU Tigers (0-6-2), 2-1, on senior night at Ellis Field. Barbara Olivieri and senior captain Jimena Lopez both scored to help A&M to victory.
Despite LSU coming in winless on the season, the Tigers had been playing stellar defense all season. Yet it was G Guerrieri’s squad that was able to rattle off 25 shots compared to LSU’s five.
Although it was senior day, freshman Barbara Olivieri scored first in the 10th minute with a beautiful upper-90 strike outside the box. LSU goalkeeper Mollee Swift was caught flat-footed and had no chance of stopping the wonderful shot. Olivieri’s goal was her fourth of the season and third straight home match with a goal.
“It felt really special,” Olivieri said regarding her goal. “The pass from Addie McCain was really good, and I was able to find an opening in the top right corner.”
The Aggies defense was special all night, only surrendering two shots on goal. However, one of those shots found the back of the Tigers' net in the 26th minute. Chiara Ritchie-Williams found an opening in the box and scored off a great cross from junior midfielder Wasila Diwura-Soale.
“Our defense played wonderful all night,” Olivieri said. “It’s hard to lose games when your defense only allows two shots on goal.”
Senior Jimena Lopez had a special moment on senior night, scoring in the 36th minute to retake the lead LSU. Lopez made two defenders miss in the box and bent a shot around the keeper to score her second goal of the season.
“This goal was extra special to me,” Lopez said after the game. “I’m glad it was a right-footer because coach always jokes with me that I only use my left.”
The Aggies seized control the rest of the half and went into the locker room up 2-1 and outshooting the Tigers 16-3.
While the second half was scoreless, Texas A&M played smart soccer and controlled the time of possession. The Aggies were able to acquire nine shots, but none found the back of the net. LSU failed to find the equalizer and only obtained two shots all half.
With the win, Aggies’ senior class record is stretched to 55-13-6. Coach G Guerrieri expressed how important this senior class was to the team after the game.
“They lead by example,” Guerrieri said. “Nothing is negative to them, and they always look at the glass half full.”
That senior class will have to show their leadership with the Aggies having a quick turnaround playing Monday against the Auburn Tigers.
“Recover well and take advantage of our facilities,” said Lopez. “Examine what you can do better, and bring it against Auburn.”
With the win tonight, Texas A&M secured a top-four finish and will be awarded a two-round bye in the SEC tournament, which begins November 15. Nonetheless, the Aggies will focus on beating the Auburn Tigers next Monday at 3 p.m. on SEC Network+.