SAN MARCOS, Texas – Two second half goals from Kiara Gonzales and Bailey Peschel propelled the Texas State soccer team (5-6-1, 3-3-0 Sun Belt) to a 2-1 victory over Little Rock (6-4-3, 2-1-2 Sun Belt) Sunday afternoon at the Bobcat Soccer Complex. The victory snapped the Bobcats' three-match losing streak and assured them of their 19th winning season at home.
 
A scoreless first half saw both teams attempt seven shots apiece. The best chance at finding the back of the net came from Gonzales in the 27th minute. She was able to flick the ball off on a cross into the box but the goalkeeper stopped the ball at the right post.

 

Early in the 56th minute, Addison Gaetano sent a long ball down the left side to an open Peschel. The junior midfielder sent a cross into the box that saw Gonzales come in from a defender's blindside to settle the ball and the slot it past the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.
 
Gabie Jones sent a ball into the box to Mya Ulloa, who took a touch and the ball hit off a defender. The ball deflected towards the middle of the 18-yard box where Peschel hammered a one-touch shot into the back of the net to double the lead with just under 10 minutes left on the clock.
 

Post match interviews with @bailey_peschel & @kiaramgonzales following win over Little Rock #EatEmUp pic.twitter.com/aUnRoYPf0C

— Texas State Soccer (@TXStateSoccer) October 4, 2021

 
The Trojans cut the lead in half in the 84th minute when a free kick was sent into the box. Katelyn Chrisman leapt and got her hands on the ball. However, Natalee Geren jumped into her, a clear foul, that dislodged the ball into the back of the net but no whistled was blown by the official.
 
Only shot the rest of the way came from Little Rock with just under three minutes to play. The attempt from about 20 yards out was easily caught by Chrisman.
 
Gonzales led TXST with five shots and put three of them on frame. Also taking two shots apiece was Kamaria Williams, Peschel and Ulloa.
 
The goal for Gonzales was her team leading fourth of the season and it was Peschel's second of the year. Ulloa was credited with her team-high fifth assists, all of which have come in Sun Belt Conference play. For Gaetano and Jones, they recorded their assists were the first of their career and season, respectively.
 
In goal, Chrisman earned her first collegiate victory as she made a season-high six saves.
 
A three-match road swing begins on Friday when the Bobcats face Georgia Southern at 5 p.m. CT. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
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