The Knoxville Force women’s team took on the Gulf Coast Texans tonight at Sansom Sports Complex at 7 p.m. last night. Despite overcoming a one-goal deficit, the Force could not find the clincher in a 1-1 tie with the Texans.

 

The Gulf Coast Texans started the game strong, striking early in the eighth minute of play with a goal by Jenna Wade. Her goal came directly after a Texan header hit the crossbar. A misclear by the Force defense resulted in an ideal set-up for Wade to smash the ball into the goal.

 

The Force had a number of chances in the first half, particularly in the 37th minute when a shot by Ashley Hickman went just wide of the goal, but the team could not find the back of the net. The first half of the game ended with a score of 0-1.

 

The Force dominated the beginning of the second half with three great chances in front of goal in the first 15 minutes. The Texan goalkeeper came up big for her team with several saves. The equalizer finally came in the 66th minute off a goal by Kelly Parnell. Laura Hale was awarded the assist with a great pass down the sideline to Parnell.

 

The Texans almost took the win in the 78th minute after the Force left two girls wide open in front of goal, but an offsides call against the Texans saved the Force from having to come back from another goal deficit.

 

The game ended in a 1-1 tie after a hard-fought battle between the two teams.

 

The Knoxville Force women play next against Cincinnati on June 11. The Knoxville Force men play at home tonight at 7 p.m.