For the second straight game, the Grambling State women’s soccer team failed to score a goal. On Friday, the Lady Tigers were outscored 4-0 by Louisiana-Lafayette, and a 2-0 defeat came at the hands of Centenary on Sunday afternoon.”We did not finish. When the other team had the chance to finish, they took advantage of it, and they finished,” said midfielder Natasha Nzeakor.
The Lady Tiger (2-3) offense struggled throughout the game, attempting 21 shots and scoring none. They also failed to convert on four corner kicks.
The defense was led by sophomore goalie Cherie Silas, who recorded 10 saves in the game. The Lady Tigers’ defense managed to keep the game within reach for the offense; unfortunately, the offense was unable to convert on those opportunities. Both teams committed thirteen fouls and several players got hurt.
However, Centenary’s offense capitalized on Grambling’s missed opportunities. Even though the Ladies attempted seven fewer shots than Grambling, they converted two of them, one of them on a penalty kick.
Led by 13 saves, Centenary’s defense won the game. They managed to slow down Grambling’s 3-5-2 system that was implemented by coach Tamura Crawley to make them more offensive this season.
This is a tough loss for the Lady Tigers, and the road does not get any easier. In the next three games, they will face division 1A opponents: North Texas, Houston and Sam Houston State.
“It is very important that our team plays well the next three games,” Crawley said. “Our team has to be on another level mentally and physically. When we go out there we must play our ‘A’ game.”
Coach Crawley also mentioned that she will not change the game plan this week. She feels that instead of adjusting to the other teams, she is going to make them play her game.
It is very important that the team plays well during this three-game stretch, she said. The Lady Tigers have struggled against nonconference opponents, going 0-6-2 last season. This year they are 1-2.
“We just take every game day by day,” Crawley said. “By playing tougher opponents, we stay ahead of SWAC competition.”
The Tigers start their three game road trip in Houston Friday.