Box Score

 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Despite near-matching stats in Friday's non-conference game from Colorado Springs, Colorado, it was Southeast Missouri State that benefitted from an early goal as the Redhawks were able to withstand a relentless UC Davis attack throughout the rest of the afternoon en route to its 2-0 victory in the opening match of the 2014 Falcon Invitational, hosted by the Air Force Academy.

The Aggies will return to action, against the host Falcons in Sunday's 11 a.m. match, with a 3-2 overall record. SEMO improves to 2-0 on the season with Friday's result.

"Southeast Missouri was an organized and hard working team," said UC Davis head coach Twila Kaufman. "Unfortunately for us, they were able to score one early."

On their inaugural scoring opportunity, the Redhawks were able to punch one into the Aggies' goal to take a 1-0 lead 2:30 after the match started.

Added Kaufman, "We opened ourselves up in an attempt to score a goal of our own and were able to create very good chances." 

During a 14-minute block of time midway through the first half, UC Davis fired one shot after another at SEMO goalkeeper Kindra Lierz. What began with a shot from Sydney Burger continued with another shot from Haley Hughes moments later. As the game progressed, Lexi Poppoff was able to create enough space to fire another two shots at the Redhawks' net. 

On all four opportunities, Lierz prevented the Aggies from scoring, earning all but one of her five saves during that portion of the contest.

Poppoff led all players with four shots and three shots on goal.

UC Davis' aggressive play continued after halftime as Poppoff, and teammate Kayla Collins, each sought the equalizing goal when they fired off another two shots in the early portion of the second half. 

But it was a breakaway opportunity in the 69th minute that helped SEMO double their lead with just over 29 minutes left in the match.

"They caught us in transition and, unfortunately, scored again in the second half," Kaufman said.

From that point on, Southeast Missouri rearranged their personnel on the field accordingly and focused its effort on protecting the lead. The shot that doubled the Redhawks' advantage was the final one recorded by either team for the rest of the match.

Each team finished with seven shots - both recorded five shots in the first half and another two in the second; UC Davis goalkeeper Taylor Jern picked up four saves in the first of two games scheduled to take place at Cadet Field this weekend.