SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Texas State soccer team closed out non-conference play Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 setback to McNeese at the Bobcat Soccer Complex. The loss ended a nine-match home undefeated streak for the Bobcats, tied for the second longest stretch in program history.
 
Overall, TXST is now 4-3-1 on the year while the Cowgirls improved to 4-3-0.
 
Early in the 13 minute, Kaylee Davis sent in a low cross from the right side into the box. The ball found Mackenzie Smith from just inside the six-yard box. The junior flicked it back towards the right corner but saw MCN's Emma Roccaforte make a diving stop.
 
Smith would get another great opportunity just over six minutes later. She beat the defender to a through ball but saw Roccaforte snag the ball off her feet to keep the Bobcats off the scoreboard.
 
Attempts from Haley Groff and Renny Moore in the final 15 minutes of the period were both placed on frame with neither beating the goalkeeper.
 
The Cowgirls took six shots in the first half with two being on target. Both of those were from long distance and easily handled by Heather Martin.
 
In the first 35 minutes of the second half, the Bobcats were able to put three shots on goal. All of them were saved by Roccaforte as they all came from at least 18 yards out.
 
The lone goal of the match came late in the 81st minute. Jillian Bech sent in a hard, low cross that was flicked into the back of the net by Anna Watson to give MCN the advantage.
 
Moore took a rip from the near side and just outside the 18-yard box early in the 88th minute. Her curling attempt ended up in the hands of the keeper.
 
A last gasp chance came with 12 seconds left as TXST won a corner kick. Kamaria Williams quickly took the corner and the ball ended up at the feet of Groff just inside the penalty box. Her shot, however, was blocked by a defender. The ball landed in front of Addison Gaetano with three seconds remaining but she was quickly surrounded by three Cowgirls, one of which poked the ball away as the final horn sounded.
 
The Bobcats held a 16-8 advantage in shots and 8-3 in shots on goal. Smith led all players and matched her career-highs with four shot attempts with three of them being on goal. Moore took three shots and placed two of them on frame. Taking two shots apiece were Ally Kewish, Groff and Williams.
 
Between the posts, Martin made two saves while playing just the first half. Kathryn Budde played the final 45 minutes and faced only two shots.
 
Next up for TXST is the start of Sun Belt Conference play. The Bobcats play just once during the first weekend of conference action when they host South Alabama on Thursday at 7 p.m.
 
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