JONESBORO, Ark. (8/21/16) – The Arkansas State women's soccer team conceded an early second half goal and was unable to tally an equalizer in a 1-0 loss to Southern Miss in its 2016 regular season opener Sunday afternoon at the A-State Soccer Park.

The Golden Eagles scored the only goal of the match in the 52nd minute when Katie Richmond collected a deflection off an A-State defender in front of the net and was able to strike it past Red Wolves goalkeeper Kelsey Ponder for the score.

Southern Miss came out firing to start the second half and took five shots in the first 10 minutes of the frame. Richmond took advantage of a chaotic situation in front of the net and was able to control the ball for a clean shot. The Red Wolves looked to have initially cleared the danger, but an unfortunate bounce off a defender led to the clean look for Southern Miss.

A-Stare responded and had several good looks later in the half. Katherine Padgett had a shot sail wide in the 56th minute, while Taylor Schneider and Dana O'Boye each had their shot attempts blocked in front of the net before the ball could reach the goalkeeper.

Padgett had another chance at the tying goal in the 69th minute when she attempted a header off a corner kick from Arianna Delli Carpini, but the attempt was just wide of the net. Schneider took a header with four seconds to go in the game off a free kick, but the attempt also missed its mark as time expired.

Padgett and Schneider led the Red Wolves with three shots each, while Jacqueline Greer, Tayler Carter and O'Boye totaled two each.

Ponder made eight saves in goal for A-State, including four in the second half to keep the Golden Eagles from extending their lead.

Arkansas State returns to the field for a non-conference battle against Southeastern Louisiana on Thursday, Aug. 25, in Hammond, La. Kickoff for the match is set for 4 p.m.

For the latest on information on the A-State women's soccer team, log onto AStateRedWolves.com or follow the the team's Facebook page at Facebook.com/AStateSoccer and follow them on Twitter @AStateSoccer.