GRAMBLING, La. – The Texas Southern University women's soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to Grambling State on Thursday afternoon at the GSU Soccer Complex.
"Unfortunately, we didn't come out locked in and focused enough to compete at the level required today," said head oach Danesha Adams. "In this conference, any team can win if you don't show up prepared to battle, fight, and be physical for the full 90 minutes. We have to learn from this, take accountability, and move forward."
Grambling State scored twice in the opening half before adding an insurance goal early in the second period to secure the victory. Texas Southern fell to 4-10-2 overall and 3-2-1 in conference play, while Grambling State improved to 4-8-3 and 3-1-2 in the SWAC.
Grambling State jumped ahead early, taking a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute. Texas Southern attempted to respond as Gabby Gonzalez registered the Tigers' first shot at the 10:18 mark. TSU continued looking for opportunities and earned a corner kick in the 18th minute. The Tigers had opportunities to equalize midway through the opening half, but Juliette Gomez was unable to convert penalty-kick opportunities recorded in the 23rd minute.
Grambling State extended its advantage in the 37th minute after an unassisted goal at the 36:24 mark, giving them a 2-0 lead.
Texas Southern continued pressing offensively before halftime. Jiselle Caffey recorded a shot in the 36th minute, while Naiya Singleton added another attempt in the 43rd minute. However, the Tigers were unable to break through as Grambling State carried its two-goal advantage into intermission.
Grambling State quickly increased its lead early in the second half when Nyla Dore-Anderson scored her 10th goal of the season at the 51:45 mark, pushing the margin to 3-0.
Texas Southern had another opportunity to get on the scoreboard late in the contest, but Kaia Butler was unable to convert penalty-kick opportunities listed in the 78th minute.
The Tigers finished with seven shots, led by Juliette Gomez and Kaia Butler with two attempts each. Gonzalez, Caffey and Singleton contributed one shot apiece. Grambling State held a 13-7 advantage in total shots and a 5-0 edge in shots on goal. Both teams recorded one corner kick.
Alicia Audu played the opening 45 minutes in goal for Texas Southern, while Bastidas handled the second half and finished with two saves.
TSU is back at home on Sunday for its regular season home finale versus Alcorn State at 1 p.m. inside Durley Stadium.
"All we can do now is regroup, refocus, and put our energy into preparing for Sunday's game," added Adams. "We have another opportunity ahead of us, and we need to be ready to compete."
