CONWAY, S.C. – The Coastal Carolina women's soccer team came back from behind to secure a 1-1 tie versus the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns on Sunday evening.
With the tie, the Chants post a 5-4-6, 1-1-4 Sun Belt record while Louisiana moves to 6-3-7, 1-2-3 Sun Belt.
Coastal came out on offense during the opening 30 minutes of action, taking six shots while denying the Ragin' Cajuns a singles attempt, but the Chants couldn't break through to hold the score at 0-0.
In the 35th minute, Julia Ziegenfuss took Coastal's lone shot on goal in the half when Olivia Goretski crossed the ball into the six-yard box. However, Ziegenfuss's outstretched foot could not get enough power to make it past the Louisiana keeper.
At the end of the frame, CCU led 8-3 in shots and 3-2 in corner kicks while Ziegenfuss and Eleanor Ashton each tallied two shots apiece.
The Ragin' Cajuns were first to strike in the 47th minute when Sienna Hurrell belted a free kick into the top right corner to make the score 1-0.
The Chants answered right back just one minute later when Jessica Wheeler fed the ball to Eleanor Ashton. The freshman then ripped the ball into the bottom left corner to record her seventh goal of the season and level the score at 1-1.
Coastal looked to take the lead in the 51st minute when Tamlyn Parkes crossed the ball to the head of Peyton Kreul, but her shot rattled the woodwork to hold the score at 1-1.
Both teams took two shots each over the next 25 minutes, but none of the shots hit the target to keep the score at 1-1.
In the last 10 minutes of play, the Ragin' Cajuns fired six shots and forced Coastal keeper Aris Lamanna to make three crucial saves to secure the 1-1 tie.
"Tonight was about so much more than the game. Firstly, I want to thank the incredible support from the fans tonight, particularly the Kingston girls team who were cheering all game long. Our team is idolized by many of these youth teams so to have their support and be able to put in a performance for them is really meaningful. I told the girls before the game that we were all in their shoes once wanting to be in the shoes they're in now so enjoy every moment," stated head coach Jo Chubb.
"I also want to show additional appreciation to the faculty and staff members that came out for teacher appreciation night. The relationships our girls have with their professors is incredibly important in shaping who they are. Finally, I want to bring attention to the fact that tonight was our kick out cancer game. This is something that is very close to our hearts here at Coastal Women's Soccer and it gave us the added motivation to bring an incredible energy and intensity to the game tonight," Chubb continued. "We play to celebrate those that have overcome illness and also for those that are no longer here with us. It is important to be humbled with these reminders of just how lucky we are to be a part of something bigger. Proud of the girls as always. Already excited for the next one. Chants up!"
The Chanticleers will remain at the CCU Soccer Complex to take on Marshall on Oct. 18 at 3 p.m. ET.
For complete coverage of CCU women's soccer, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalWSoccer (X), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com
