It’s the last non-conference game of the season.
Coming off a heavy loss earlier in the week, Texas A&M (3-3-0, 0-0-0) has the opportunity to respond against Stephen F. Austin (1-5-0, 0-0-0) on Sept. 6.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT at Ellis Field.
The Aggies were shutout by No. 19 TCU on Thursday night due to a lack of assertiveness and apprehension.
After the loss, Bobby Shuttleworth said he thought A&M’s youth showed in the game through naive play.
“There's loads of moments where we're nervous to get on the ball,” Shuttleworth said. “We're nervous to play forward, join the attacks, sprint, create options around the ball, and I don't think we did that enough.”
The Ags were unable to score, although six of their 10 shots were on goal. They regained possession and made great strides to the attacking third, but fell short on quality shots and connectivity.
“A lot of our decision-making in the attacking third was that we couldn't find numbers,” forward Leah Diaz said. “Or whenever we were shooting, it was just kind of forcing it, so I think we just need to calm down a bit and start playing with one another.”
Shuttleworth’s failed to seize opportunities to get back into the game. Of course, the Ags need to figure out what they are about and find the hunger and desire to gain possession.
“We need the players on the field,” Shuttleworth said. “Every single player needs to want the ball.”
The Ags had two days to figure out their hunger before Sunday night’s matchup against the Ladyjacks. A&M holds a 5-0-1 advantage in the all-time series with SFA.
“Having the ability to turn around and play again right away is massively important for our team,” Shuttleworth said. “And I think we need to, obviously, sit down and watch what just happened, and then forget about it, and build from it, and then put on a good performance Sunday.”
The scoreless draw with SFA was last season, despite A&M maintaining possession and outshooting 25-9. Eight shots were on goal.
The Ladyjacks have scored nine goals this season and allowed opponents to score 14 on them, which is a large part of why they are on a five-game losing streak.
The Maroon & White hope to extend it to six.
“We're ready to get the ball rolling again,” Diaz said. “It's disappointing to lose. However, that's another opportunity to do better, come back, and flip the score.”
This is the last matchup for the Aggies to find their confidence and rhythm as a team before competitive SEC competition begins. A&M will be on the road and not have the full effect of Ellis Field until the end of September.
Fans can purchase tickets through the 12th Man Foundation or stream the match on SEC Network+.
