Lakers Late Comeback Falls Just Short Against Cougars

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Roosevelt's valiant second-half comeback came up just short as Saint Xavier held on for a 2-1 win over the Lakers on Wednesday night at Morris Field in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference action.

The Cougars pounced for two goals in six minutes early in the second half, but that did not deter the Lakers (3-4-0, 1-2-0 CCAC) as they battled for the final 23 minutes of play. The constant pressure led to several close chances as the Lakers threaded balls into the penalty area, but nothing stuck until the 74^th minute.

Roosevelt won a free kick from 34 yards out and Alex Creel sent a ball into the mixer in front of the Saint Xavier goal. Darien Lucas got the first stab at the ball and after it was parried away by the Cougars goalie, Becca Simpkins was in the perfect position to guide the ball over the line to bring the Lakers within one.

The Lakers had chances to tie the game in the final 10 minutes as they ramped up the intensity and began to really challenge the Saint Xavier defense. Several long-distance efforts barely sailed over the crossbar and two other shots were blocked by the Cougars defense before reaching the goal. The Lakers held a slim 13-11 advantage in shot attempts for the game and forced four saves from the Cougars in the setback.

Saint Xavier did not have many opportunities in the first half, but sent one shot off the crossbar and had another shot blocked by Mackenzie Alvarez before it reached the goal. Meanwhile, the Lakers were on the attacking front for much of the half after finding space along the wings. Daisy Hernandez-Loya had a pair of shots stopped in the first half and Nyah Bejerano had a looping shot that barely escaped over the crossbar from 20 yards out.

Roosevelt returns to the field Saturday at noon with a matchup against Trinity Christian, which is receiving votes in the latest NAIA Top 25 Coaches Poll.