Tag: Mari Young

Little Rock falls to Missouri State

September 1, 2019

By UALR SPORTS INFORMATION

LITTLE ROCK – The Little Rock soccer team (1-3-1) fought hard at home against a quick Missouri State team, falling 2-1 after a strong attempt at equalizing the match. Doro Greulich scored her first goal of the season in the first appearance of her senior campaign, soaring a well-placed shot into the net after being awarded a free kick right outside the box.

Missouri State started off the game with the control, earning a goal in the 11th minute. However, the Trojans were right in the midst of the action, creating several opportunities of their own, ultimately being stopped by an agile Bear goalie. MSU struck again at the 83rd minute following a well-executed cross, but Little Rock refused give up and earned a goal of their own soon after.

“I think we’re actually playing some really good soccer,” said head coach Mark Foster. “I know we’re not getting the results that reflect that, but that’s the reality of college sports. We’re just a little short, even though some of our girls played their best game of the season. If we stay positive, I think we’re going to learn the lessons and figure it out soon.”

Little Rock looked lively, despite competing in the third game within the past five days. The Trojans registered 9 shots to the Bears’ 8, with five on goal by five different players. Along with Greulich’s, Bergros Asgeirsdottir, Fanney Einarsdottir, Mari Young, and Ziva Payer each notched on-target shots. Little Rock also managed to earn 11 free kicks compared to Missouri State’s three, helping the offensive action.

The Trojans will take the next couple of days to regroup before the team travels to Texas on Thursday, Sept. 5, to take on TCU at 7 p.m.

Trojans Take Home Opener for First Victory of 2019

August 28, 2019

By Little Rock Sports Information

LITTLE ROCK- Little Rock grabbed their first win of the season in their home opener against Grambling State as Julia Edholm’s 81st minute header gave the Trojans the game-winning goal in their 1-0 victory.

“In the first half we were really nervous,” said Head Coach Mark Foster. “We talked about it at halftime and we gave the girls some solutions to what was going on out there and we played much better. I think it was a win that the girls need for their confidence and once you get that first win everything starts to settle down. We’re really thankful for all the fans that came out tonight, as well as the people for the athletic department and the school who made it a great night.”

Grambling State came out with some lively play from the start, dominating possession in the early minutes. However, the Little Rock defense held strong, allowing just one shot in the first half.

Morgan Smocovich fired two shots from long range, including a driven free kick in the 65th minute, but was denied by the Tigers’ goalkeeper.

Little Rock did well to get back into the game in the second half, winning possession high up the pitch to create solid scoring opportunities.

Mari Young was extremely effective in the attack, starting the match in the striker position. She did well to create space in the attacking third and continually won free kicks near the penalty area.

The game-winning moment came in the 81st minute when the Trojans won a free kick about 35 yards from the goal. Smocovich delivered a wonderful lofted ball near the penalty spot and Edholm rose above the Grambling State defense to flick her header into the back of the net and score the first goal of her Little Rock career.

Julia Curatolo continued her great form between the posts, making one save and earning her second shutout of the season. The redshirt-freshman has now played 245 minutes without allowing a goal.

The Trojans improve to 1-1-1 on the season while they hand Grambling State their first loss of the season as they fall to 2-1 overall.

Little Rock gets back to action Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. when they head to Tulsa, looking for back-to-back wins.