COMMERCE – The East Texas A&M University soccer team played to a tense 3-3 draw against Louisiana on Thursday night at the Lion Soccer Field in the first ever meeting between the two teams.
Both teams are now 1-1-1 on the season. The Lions maintained a lead until late in the second half when the Ragin Cajuns equalized. It marked the first time the Lions did not win a match in which they had a two-goal lead since a 2-2 tie at McNeese last season.
The match began with the Lions taking an early lead when
Addison Eli (Tyler – Grace Community) notched a goal at the 4:28 mark, assisted by
Allyson Reed (Cleburne). Louisiana equalized shortly after with a goal from Carson Glenn.
On a play in the penalty box, the Lions used their video review in the 18
th minute and were awarded a penalty. East Texas A&M regained the advantage through a penalty kick converted by
Allyson Reed at 17:20. In the final seconds of the first half,
Judith Nandwa (Mumias, Kenya) made a team save at the goal line to keep it 2-1 in favor of the Lions at the half.
East Texas A&M extended its lead early in the second period with a goal by
Addisen Ramirez (Waxahachie), marking her first career goal, assisted by
Kristen Sueltz (The Colony), at the 47:17 mark. Louisiana responded with a penalty kick goal by Miku Kurihara and a subsequent goal by Maria Reyes, assisted by Salma Elhaimer, leveling the score at three.
The Lions scored three goals in a match for the first time since their 4-1 win over Little Rock in the 2025 season opener. Eli scored one goal and took two shots, both on target, marking her first career goal and first career start. Reed contributed with one goal and one assist, leading the team in shots with five, and this was her first goal as a Lion.
Emmy Finlinson (Eagle Mountain, Utah), in goal, recorded two saves while
Makayla Gonzalez (South Grand Prairie) added four saves during her time on the field. The Lions have achieved at least six saves in two consecutive games.
POST MATCH INTERVIEW
UP NEXT
The Lions travel to face Texas State next Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Abilene Christian on August 30.
-ETAMU-
