The lady Owls four-game winning streak ends after defeat to Golden Hurricane

Temple’s women’s soccer (3-4-3, 1-2) was unable to capitalize on offensive chances against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (6-5-1, 1-2) Thursday night. 

Temple head coach Nick Bochette believed Tulsa earned their victory by capitalizing on their opportunities.

“I thought we were really good in pieces,” Bochette said. “I think it was an uphill battle. If there is a lesson it is how important it is to not let yourself get in a hole.”

Tulsa put the pressure on the Owls right from the opening kick. In the 14th minute, Golden Hurricane forward Kayla Fernandez ripped a shot that ricocheted off the crossbar. After a review stoppage it was determined that the ball did cross the line and Tulsa took a 1-0 lead. 

Tulsa struck again in the 22nd minute. Forward Megan Neilsen took advantage of an Owls turnover and worked through a herd of bodies in the box to make the game 2-0.

Not even 3 minutes later in the 24th minute, Neilsen struck again,  this time on a redirected pass to give the Hurricane a 3-0 lead in the first half. 

In the 28th minute, Temple got on the board. Defenseman Róisín McGovern pushed a rebound just outside the box past Tulsa keeper Raegan Beeding to make it a 3-1 game.  Bochette said he liked the response, but there needs to be more going forward. 

“I thought their response was good,” Bochette said. “I think the response was good but there has to be energy, enthusiasm, and quality.”

In the second half, with the Owls in desperation mode, the Golden Hurricane took advantage on the counter attack. Tulsa forward Mia Darden bolted past the defense and lofted one over Stablein to give added insurance 

The Owls offense scored six goals against Cincinnati and Drexel but were only able to muster one against Tulsa.

“I didn’t think we were inept on the attacking end,” Bochette said. “I thought we put enough good balls in, got some set piece chances, got some chances for them to run a play.”

The Owls will look to shake off the loss in their fourth conference match of the season, a date with the East Carolina Pirates (4-7-1, 0-2-1) next Thursday in Greenville, NC at 7pm.