By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A staunch defensive effort and gritty play were ultimately not enough for the Tennessee Tech soccer team Sunday afternoon, as the Golden Eagles (2-5-0) were upended 1-0 by a solid Arkansas-Little Rock team that remains perfect on the year, now at 8-0.
A 49th minute Quin Wilkes goal was the difference in the outcome after the freshman forward capitalized on a penalty kick for the match's lone goal. The Trojans have now outscored their opponents a whopping 35-2 on the season.
"Congratulations to Arkansas-Little Rock on a well played game. They were well organized and defended well, so they deserved to win the game," Tech head coach Steve Springthorpe said on the outcome. "On our part, we are still learning and trying to figure out some things in regards to our play and style. We'll continue to work and prepare for our games next weekend."
Tech did find a way to make things interesting late in the affair, coming up with a pair of corner kicks in the final ten minutes, including a Taylor Blazei attempt with just over a minute and a half left in the contest.
TTU senior goalkeeper Rebecca Toler turned in another outstanding effort, stopping four-of-five shots that came her way with the only net finder coming on a penalty kick. On the opposite end of things, Trojan freshman Bre Ilkuf made three saves in recording the shutout.
Four players notched a match-high two shots, including Golden Eagle freshman Zoie Hensely, one of which was on-goal.
Tech ends the weekend with a 1-1 mark after a 2-1 win over Chattanooga on Friday in a match that saw a season-high 17 shots by the Golden Eagles. In the midst of eight-straight on the road, TTU will set its sights on Wright State Friday, Sep. 19 with all the action set to get underway at 4 p.m.
