GEORGETOWN, Texas - After being behind 2-0 at halftime the Pirates played a brilliant second half, tying the game, but TLU pulled out the 3-2 win over Southwestern Sunday.
Southwestern had many great looks early on in the match, routinely getting the ball inside the 18-yard box. Sarah Bevins had two good looks at goal that went just wide while Megan McGrath had the first near miss as her shot from 35 yards out sailed straight for the upper 90 but caught the crossbar and went out of danger.
Texas Lutheran struck first after two great saves by Maria Escajeda in goal for the Pirates. Escajeda broke up a one-on-one opportunity for the Bulldogs but her second diving save at point blank range got away from her allowing Maegan Idrogo to put away the rebound, giving TLU a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.
The Bulldogs quickly made it a 2-0 lead as Sioned Kirkpatrick's physical play allowed her to work her way through the Pirate defense and get a cross off to Idrogo streaking into goal. Idrogo finished the play inside the six yard box, rending Escajeda helpless.
Southwestern had plenty of fight left as they continued to attack the remainder of the half with numerous corner kicks and shots, but couldn't get one to fall as they remained down 2-0 heading into halftime.
Following the break, Southwestern picked up steam and spent the majority of the opening minutes in the attacking third of the field and saw their work pay off quickly as Sarah Bevins assisted Allie Dillon on the first goal for the Pirates, cutting the lead to 2-1 with over 40 minutes remaining in the contest.
Hannah Neil scored the equalizer after Kirsten Mazur's lofting free kick from 30 yards out found Neil on the edge of the six. Neil headed the ball home, beating TLU's Rose to the ball to even the count 2-2.
Paige Duggins was just inches from scoring the go-ahead goal on Mazur's corner with 14 minutes to play. Mazur's ball sailed into the box and Duggins was there to receive it, but her header slipped just over the crossbar and out of harm's way.
A rare, weak defensive moment allowed TLU to take the lead back as Kirkpatrick drove from midfield through the SU defense and sent the ball into the roof of the net for the game-winning goal.
Southwestern led 17-12 in the shot count and 8-5 in corners. Texas Lutheran committed 10 fouls while Southwestern committed just three in the loss. Escajeda had a strong day in goal despite recording the loss, tallying six saves on the afternoon.
The Pirates fall to 2-6 on the year and 1-1 in the SCAC while TLU improves to 4-4 and 2-1 overall. Southwestern remains at home to face Austin College on Friday for a 6 p.m. kick off.