Photo: Junior Astros Luckas
CONWAY –– The LR Trojans soccer team debuted their season with a tight game against the Conway Bears –– remaining scoreless the first half but eventually falling short.
This non-conference game is the first installment of the Governor’s I-40 Showdown, a rivalry series aimed at promoting in-state competition.
The Trojans missed a couple of opportunities during the first five minutes of the game, one aiming too high and the other blocked by UCA goalkeeper, Reagan McCombs.
The ninth minute saw some action with UCA midfielder, Emma Hawkins, attempting a fiery shot that ultimately hit the crossbar. Three minutes later, UCA midfielder, Hadley Dickenson, had her shot blocked.
The second half saw early action with UCA’s Hawkins scoring the Bears’ only goal at the end of the 58th minute. A long shot by midfielder Anika Sulton hit off the crossbar landing right by Hawkins where she tapped it, sliding passed Trojan Freshman Saskia Wagner’s lower right and into the center of the net.
Trojan Senior Peyton Laughley, a forward, brought some action to the game and guided the trojans up the field showing true leadership within the team.
Nonetheless, the Trojans continued to fight and show their tenacity throughout the rest of the game. Unfortunately, the Bears took the win, but the Trojans showed determination and fight for what the rest of the season holds.
Little Rock will travel to Missouri State to take on the Bears on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m. for a non-conference game.
