Alva, Okla. - Northwestern Oklahoma State returned home Thursday afternoon to take on GAC opponent Ouachita Baptist university. The Rangers fell 2-1 to the Tigers. Â
"We deserved a result for sure, we created enough chances to win the game," head coach Erik Solberg stated. "That's what it comes down to both sides of the field. The two clearances we had we got to make and captalize. We had plenty of chances to finish, Yazmin finished one well."
The Rangers hoped to bounce back after a double overtime loss to ECU. NWOSU opened the attack early on with a quick corner kick and the first shot of the game by Yazmin Gomez within the first two minutes. After the Rangers could not capitalize, this created an opportunity for the Tigers as it helped lead to two shots and two corner kicks for Ouachita.
Northwestern's defense was able to prevail the strong Tigers attack. This created more opportunities for the Rangers giving them two more corner kicks along with two shots from Kaley Whitworth. The Rangers created opportunities throughout the first half just never was able to find the back of the net. The Rangers would have the shot advantage in the first half 9-6.
The second half started in Ouachita's favor. After a very quick start to the half two shots and a corner from the Tigers they capitalized in at the 48:57 mark they grabbed the first goal of the game.
The Rangers responded quickly with four shots and two corner kicks. Gomez was able to capitalize on one of her shots for her third goal of the season. That was the equalizer for a few minutes.
The Tigers responded at the 64:25 mark taking the lead 2-1 which would prove to be the winning goal as well. Ouachita took advantage of Northwestern's foul.
Rangers would really try to even the game up at the end with a few more chances but the Tigers' defense was able to black any attack the Rangers through at them.
"Our team played incredibly hard, we executed the game plan very well but at the end of the day you got to finish your chances. We had 20 shots 11 on goal and scored 1, we can do a little better there. We had 10 corners and to not come away with a goal is close to unacceptable. We will move on and get ready for Saturday."
The Rangers would out shoot the Tigers 20-12 for the game including shots on goal 11-7. Northwestern was led by Gomez having six shots with four of them on goal including the goal. Kaley Whitworth added four shots with two of them on goal. Allissa Carlson had all three of her shots on goal.
Northwestern Oklahoma State will return to action quickly with a game on Saturday morning at 11 a.m against Harding. Rangers will come in at 3-5-1 (0-2-1) while Harding is 3-6-1 (2-2). Â
