PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas | Jackson State paired an early breakthrough with a determined defensive effort Friday, blanking Alabama A&M, 2-0, at the PVAMU Soccer Complex.
Karime Antonio-Lopez delivered the game-winning goal on a first-half penalty kick, and Kyla Gomez added the finishing touch in the final seconds as the Tigers improved to 10-6-3 overall. Goalkeeper Taylor Osborn recorded three saves across 90 minutes to anchor the shutout.
Jackson State struck first at the 16:19 mark when Antonio-Lopez converted from the penalty spot for her first goal of the season. The finish gave the Tigers a 1-0 advantage and a lead they would protect for the remainder of the match.
Osborn helped preserve that cushion late in the opening half, turning away Czaske Deane's attempt in the 38th minute. Jackson State entered the break ahead despite Alabama A&M holding a 6-5 edge in shots.
The Tigers increased their offensive pressure after halftime, outshooting the Bulldogs, 8-6, in the second period. Kianah Farmer and Gomez tested Alabama A&M goalkeeper Adriana Durango early in the half, while Antonio-Lopez, Josetiarainnah Olaco and Kaila Tablado also forced saves as JSU pursued a second goal.
At the other end, Osborn denied Deane at 63:23 and Jordyn Washington at 66:09 to keep Alabama A&M off the scoreboard. Jackson State added a team save in the 77th minute, protecting its one-goal lead through another Bulldog opportunity.
Gomez put the result out of reach at 89:26, scoring her seventh goal of the season with just 34 seconds remaining. Her late finish capped a match-high five-shot performance and secured the Tigers' two-goal victory.
Sarah Portis, Farmer, Asia Wilson and Makayla Sturkey each played the full 90 minutes, helping Jackson State withstand 12 Alabama A&M shots and seven corner kicks.
Inside the Numbers
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Jackson State finished with a 13-12 advantage in shots and an 8-4 edge in shots on goal.
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Gomez led the Tigers with five shots, including three on target and scoring the Tigers' last second goal.
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Antonio-Lopez registered three shots and two on goal, converting the match's only penalty kick.
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Osborn finished with three saves, while JSU also recorded one team save.
Up Next
Jackson State will compete for the SWAC Championship title on Sunday. The match kicks off at 1 p.m. at the PVAMU Soccer Complex.
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