A late goal by Southeast Missouri’s Storm French lifted the Redhawks to a 1-0 win over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friday in Ohio Valley Conference women’s soccer at Houk Stadium.

Cassidy Sherman

The Cougars dropped to 10-4-3 overall and 4-3-1 in the OVC. Southeast Missouri improved to 7-5-3 and 5-1-2 in the OVC. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for SIUE.

“Tonight was an opportunity to create some separation in the standings,” SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton said. “We had the chance to build on three wins.”

French tallied the game’s only goal in the 75th minute. Jennifer Antonacci played a through ball to Breana Beine. Beine played the ball across the goal to French who finished from three yards out.

SIUE outshot SEMO 13-6 for the game and held an 8-2 edge in shots during the first half.Kayla Delgado led the Cougar attack with four shots, including two on goal. Tory Pittsfinished with three shots for the Cougars.

“They won the game in the second half. Not just because they scored the goal but because of the way they kept their composure. We were lacking,” Burton said.  “We didn’t have that final touch or that extra degree of composure in front of the goal.”

SIUE goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley made two saves in the losing effort. Southeast Missouri goalkeeper Ashton Aubuchon made five saves to secure her sixth shutout of the year to tie her with Pelley for the OVC lead.

SIUE continues its three-game road swing with a match at UT Martin Sunday afternoon. UT Martin is the defending OVC Champions and is currently tied for the league lead.

“We’ve created a challenge to try and win on their field,” Burton added. “We can certainly do it. We’ll regroup, recover and be ready to play a good game against a good team.