Second-half woes continue as short-handed Roos lose late 0-1 vs Texas State

The Kansas City Roos Women’s Soccer Team suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to the Texas State Bobcats Thursday evening. This was the team’s first-ever matchup versus the Bobcats, and their first trip to the state of Texas since Sept. 2018.

The Roos started the match already on the back foot, as critical players Morgan McLaughlin, Madison Page & Lily Hollis were all out due to COVID restrictions.

This didn’t seem to bother the Roos, however, as they applied the pressure early, with a shot from forward Ririka Kamimura ricocheting off the top crossbar in the 10th minute of the game.

However, more setbacks arose during the first half, as Roos midfielder Anna Jennings went down early after taking a hard shot to the ribs from a loose ball, along with Kamimura having to leave the game just minutes later after taking a shot to the face. Jennings would later return to the game, while Kamimura did not.

Despite these hurdles, the Roos played with tenacity throughout the first half with multiple defensive stops early, holding the Bobcats scoreless at the half-time break. 

The start of the second half looked promising for the Roos, as their continuous forward press allowed for an open shot on goal by Anna Jennings in the 54th minute, but it was deflected at the goal-line by Texas State defender Kamaria Williams.

Unfortunately, the Roos’ second-half struggles caught up to them. In the 74th minute, a late challenge by Roos defender Lilyana Gonzalez set up a Texas State free kick outside the box. This challenge ultimately led to a Bobcats goal, with forward Zoe Junior scoring off the free kick, with the assist coming from Mya Ulloa. 

Just minutes later, defender and team captain Emma Watson suffered an injury due to a physical challenge from Texas State midfielder Chloe Jones. Jones would receive the game’s only yellow card. Watson had to be helped off the field due to the injury. 

Kansas City continued to pressure the Bobcats, with a couple of challenges late. But in the closing seconds, another goal-line deflection from Texas State’s Kamaria Williams would seal the victory for the Bobcats, defeating the Roos 0-1. 

The Kansas City Roos (0-4-1) are seeking their first win of the season. Next Thursday at 7 p.m., they head to Lawrence, Kansas, to face head coach Jess Smith’s alma mater in the Kansas Jayhawks. 

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