MANHATTAN, Kan. – On the opening night of the new Buser Family Park, Kansas State scored an equalizing goal before halftime, but Arkansas State used one of its two second half shots to secure the win on Thursday night, 2-1.
Arkansas State (1-1-0) captured the first goal of the night in the 28th minute. Sarah Sodoma dribbled the ball to the end line before crossing a pass into the six-yard box. The ball found the foot of Hailey Furio, who tapped in from close range.
K-State (0-2-1) answered in the 38th minute to even the match. Brookelynn Entz eluded a Red Wolves defender on the right corner of the 18-yard box. Entz found Hannah Davis wide open in the middle of the box. Davis gathered and blasted her shot into the lower right corner.
The goal was the first of the season for Davis and the fourth of her career. It was her first goal since August 19, 2018, against Oakland. The junior from Lincoln, Nebraska, is tied for fourth in program history for career goals.
Kansas State outshot the Red Wolves in the second half, 17-2. K-State threatened the Arkansas State net for almost the entirety of the final 45 minutes, but were unable to tally either the game-tying or game-winning goals.
Arkansas State’s game-winning goal was tallied in the 60th minute. The Red Wolves sent a high arching free kick into the 18-yard box from midfield. The ball was misplayed on a header and rolled into open space. Arkansas State’s Sophia Restrepo collected the ball and finished into the lower left of the goal.
K-State is winless in its last 12 matches (0-11-1). The loss on Thursday night extends K-State’s home losing streak to eight straight matches. The last home victory for the Wildcats came on August 23, 2018 against Drake.
Arkansas State goalkeeper Megan McClure recorded five saves, while K-State’s Rachel Harris pocketed two.
The Wildcats ended the night with a 27-5 advantage in total shots, but a 6-4 edge in shots on goal. Each team attempted six corner kicks.
Kansas State will end the home-opening weekend on Sunday afternoon, as the Wildcats host South Dakota State at 1 p.m. Sunday’s match is part of a “Wildcat Weekend,” as fans can purchased a general admission ticket for $3 when you show your football ticket from Saturday’s game against Nicholls State. Tickets are available by calling (800) 221-CATS or by visiting kstatesports.com.
Sunday’s match will be broadcast on Big 12 Now on ESPN+. The match will also be available on 101.5 KMAN in Manhattan and for free at kstatesports.com.
– kstatesports.com –