Bulldogs down Tigers in soccer season-opener
Louisiana Tech’s soccer team won its season opener 3-1 over Colorado College on Thursday. Photo by Charlie Lengal
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — The Louisiana Tech soccer team started off its 2023 season with a bang, netting three goals in route to a 3-1 victory over Colorado College on Thursday night at Stewart Field. Tech ( 1- 0- 0) got a trio of goals from two defenders – Laura Ogando and Sophie Fijneman – as well as from striker Lauren Egbuloniu.
Meanwhile defensively, the back line held firm and got four quality saves from first-time starter Laerke Holst in goal to topple Colorado College ( 01- 0) in the season opener. Ogando, who came in with zero goals scored in 34 career matches played, found the back of the net for the first time as a Bulldog. On the offensive in the 11th minute, Ogando made a run to the near post where she delivered a one-touch finish from close range on a pass from Kalli Matlock.
The Bulldogs had a couple of more chances inside the 18 in the first half, but none of them materialized. On the other end, the Tigers were limited to just three shot attempts up until the final two minutes before halftime.
The home team delivered a flurry of shots, one of which went off the crossbar and two low shots that Holst was able to make diving saves on to keep Tech with a 1-0 advantage at the midway point.
“We go out of region to get better and to play against quality opposition away from home to test us. Super proud of our performance tonight,” head coach Steve Voltz said. “Two of our defenders scored goals, but we have to get more efficient and clinical in front of goal. I am proud of Laerke for the saves before halftime to keep us ahead. The fight in this team, the ability to overcome adversity through preseason, super proud of their effort.”
That advantage quickly multiplied in the second half when Carmen Suarez played the ball through to Egbuloniu who came in at an angle and hit a low, hard finish under the keeper in the 51st minute.
Colorado College got one of those goals back four minutes later, slicing the deficit in half on a goal by Erin Ewers to the upper center part of the net. Clinging to a one goal lead, Fijneman was able to put the match away in the 88th minute when her free kick from the right wing made its way through traffic into the back of the net.
Louisiana Tech will face Colorado State on Sunday at 1 p.m.
