NORMAL, ALABAMA - Texas Southern (4-6-3) secured a crucial 1-0 road victory over Alabama A&M (5-8) on Friday afternoon at Louis Crews Stadium. Clara Dotigny's 25th-minute goal proved the difference in a tightly contested SWAC matchup witnessed by 427 fans.
The decisive moment came in the 25th minute when Clara Dotigny found the bottom right corner of the net, converting a well-placed assist from Melissa Knutson. The goal marked Dotigny's third of the season and gave Texas Southern a lead they would protect for the remaining 65 minutes.
The first half saw Alabama A&M create several early opportunities, with Czaske Deane testing the Texas Southern defense with shots in the 23rd and 18th minutes. Emeyda Cruz responded for Texas Southern with two dangerous attempts in the 10th and 26th minutes, demonstrating the visitors' growing confidence. The tactical battle intensified as Texas Southern earned three corner kicks in the opening 30 minutes, while Alabama A&M struggled to convert their territorial advantage into clear scoring chances.
The second half featured increased offensive pressure from Alabama A&M, with Czaske Deane particularly active with shots in the 71st, 73rd, and 77th minutes. Texas Southern's defensive unit, anchored by Ashante' Gatlin, held firm despite sustained pressure. The visitors managed the game effectively, with tactical substitutions by both coaches playing a crucial role in maintaining the match's intensity. A yellow card to Liliane Clase Baez in the 87th minute added late drama, but Texas Southern's organization proved decisive.
Final statistics reflected the match's competitive nature, with Alabama A&M recording 13 shot attempts to Texas Southern's 8. The home side generated six corner kicks compared to Texas Southern's three, while the visitors managed five shots on target versus Alabama A&M's three. Both goalkeepers were tested throughout, with Texas Southern's keeper making three crucial saves and Alabama A&M's recording four stops.
Individual performances shaped the outcome significantly. Czaske Deane led all players with six shot attempts for Alabama A&M, while Emeyda Cruz and Clara Dotigny provided Texas Southern's most dangerous attacking moments. Anita Frederick-Sigaran showed creativity in midfield for the home side, though her 17th-minute effort sailed high.
The tactical approach from Texas Southern focused on disciplined defending and quick counterattacks, evidenced by their efficient conversion rate on fewer chances. Alabama A&M's strategy of sustained pressure and wide play created opportunities but lacked the final touch. Both teams utilized their bench extensively, with coaches making strategic substitutions to maintain energy levels throughout the ninety minutes.
This victory extends Texas Southern's winning streak to two matches, building momentum after their recent win against Southern U. For Alabama A&M, the loss ends their positive run following their victory over Alcorn, highlighting the competitive nature of conference play this season.
Looking ahead, Texas Southern faces a quick turnaround with an away match at Alabama State on October 12, while Alabama A&M hosts Prairie View the same day. Both teams will need to recover quickly as they continue their push for conference positioning.