Alyssa Valdez scored twice in the first half to give Texas Southern a two-goal advantage, but Alcorn State rallied with two second-half goals as the teams battled to a 2-2 draw Sunday afternoon at Durley Field.
The Tiger defense was on their toes early as the speedy Braves applied pressure but the unit performed well. The Tigers had to make quick adjustments however as starting goalie Alicia Audu had to be subbed early for Alessandra Bastidas. Despite the switch, TSU found ways to stop ASU from jumping ahead.
TSU finally cracked the scoreboard as Valdez scored in the 39th minute, finding the back of the net at the 38:54 mark to give the Tigers a 1-0 advantage. Texas Southern continued applying pressure and doubled its lead less than four minutes later. At the 42:31 mark, Valdez struck again, this time converting a scoring opportunity off an assist from Naiya Singleton. The goal gave Valdez her second of the afternoon and sent the Tigers into halftime holding a 2-0 advantage.
Alcorn State wasted little time responding after halftime, cutting the deficit in half less than three minutes into the second period. A penalty kick by Elive Larissa Joso Luma scored at the 47:26 mark to bring the Lady Braves within 2-1 and shift momentum toward the visitors.
The Lady Braves continued pressing forward and found the equalizer in the 57th minute.
Sophia Bobie scored at 56:13 off an assist from Annick Zouma, tying the match at 2-2 with more than 33 minutes remaining.
Despite surrendering the lead, Texas Southern continued attacking and generated nine second-half shots. The Tigers searched for a go-ahead goal throughout the closing stages and came extra close multiple times, but Alcorn State's defense held firm.
Alcorn State recorded 10 second-half shots, including seven on goal, forcing Texas Southern's defense and goalkeeper into several key stops.
Neither team managed another goal as the contest ended in a 2-2 draw.
Texas Southern finished with an 18-14 advantage in total shots, although Alcorn State held a 9-7 edge in shots on goal.
Ava Coverdale led the Tigers' offensive attack with a match-high seven shots, including two on goal. Valdez followed with three shots, converting both of her attempts on target into goals. Lucyna Smith, Alana Aiken and Jiselle Caffey contributed two shots apiece, while Servane Blouin and Savannah Muldrew added one each.
Singleton recorded the Tigers' lone assist.
Defensively, goalkeeper Alessandra Bastidas played 71:38 and recorded seven saves, including five in the second half. Alicia Audu started in goal and played the opening 18:22 without allowing a goal.
TSU is back in action at Jackson State on Thursday at 3 p.m.
