Montgomery, Ala. – Alabama State struck early but couldn't hold off Nicholls State, falling 3-2 Sunday afternoon at the ASU Soccer Complex. The Colonels were able to score with five minutes left to go in the match for the game-winner.
The Hornets came out firing behind sophomore forward McKinley Hacker, who delivered two stunning free-kick goals within the opening 10 minutes. Her first came in the 6th minute from 25 yards out, slipping through the goalkeeper's hands, and she followed it just four minutes later with a long-range strike from nearly 45 yards that sailed into the top corner.
Nicholls answered in the 24th minute cutting the deficit to 2-1 at halftime.
The Colonels carried the momentum into the second half, and added the equalizer in the 51st minute and then netted the game-winner in the 85th minute..
Alabama State finished with 14 shots to Nicholls' 15, holding a slight edge in possession (53%–47%). Goalkeeper Corrine Brookes recorded three saves in the first half, while Kailyn Roselli added three more after the break.
Despite the loss, Hacker's brace highlighted the Hornets' attacking potential, as she became the first ASU player this season to score multiple goals in a match.
The Hornets will be back in action Sunday, Sept. 21, when the host crosstown rival, AUM, at 1 p.m. at the ASU Soccer Complex.
