ABILENE, Texas – The McNeese women's soccer team gave up the game-winning goal with under 10 minutes remaining to drop a tough 2-1 decision to Abilene Christian on Sunday afternoon at Elmer Gray Stadium.
 
With the loss, the Cowgirls fall to 7-8 on the year and 3-5 in the Southland Conference. The Wildcats improve to 7-7-2 overall and 6-1-1 in league play.

"I am proud of our overall effort today, but disappointed with the outcome and the way that the game ended up being decided," said head coach Drew Fitzgerald. "I though we needed to get one in the first half when we had the wind, but despite a few good chances we didn't get the lead."
 
It seemed as though the two squads were headed towards overtime play after having matched each other throughout the entire match. With the score knotted up at 1-1, McNeese was called for a foul, which gave Abilene Christian a penalty kick attempt. The Wildcats' Chloe Fifer took full advantage and converted the attempt by shooting the ball past junior goalkeeper Annie Bravenec to give ACU the win.

"Holding on against a good team with that wind at their back was a lot to ask and we just didn't quite have enough," said Fitzgerald.
 
Following a scoreless first half, the Wildcats jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 47^th minute, when Kelsie Roberts received a pass from a short corner kick and redirected it past Bravenec in the netting.
 
McNeese was able to tie the game up later, when freshman Rachel Palet launched a shot from 20 yards out that hit the upper 90 of the far post. The goal was Palet's second of the season while junior Sara Ortiz was credited with her third assist of the season.
 
Abilene Christian held a 16-12 shot advantage over the Cowgirls, including an 8-6 edge in shots on goal. Junior Savannah LaRicci had three shots including a shot on goal for McNeese.
 
The Cowgirls will make their return home next weekend to celebrate Senior Weekend with matches against Houston Baptist and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi scheduled.