COMMERCE, Texas—A goal in the 73^rd minute from Hannah Bell was the deciding tally as the Northwestern State soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision on the road to Texas A&M-Commerce in a Southland Conference match Sunday afternoon at Lion Soccer Field.

The loss put an end to a two-match winning streak for NSU (4-6 overall, 2-1 SLC), as it was just the third road conference loss since the start of 2019.

On Bell's goal, she boxed out NSU's Caitlin Le Roux on a free kick and she found a sliver of space and shot the ball top shelf over a leaping Libe Banuelos.

The Lady Demons recorded six shot attempts following the Lions goal but could not find the equalizer.

"We were a bit unlucky," first-year head coach Ian Brophy said. "I thought we had more dangerous chances, but they converted their opportunities better than we did. I thought we did a good job controlling possession, but they were more efficient than we were with their opportunities."

Taylor Spitzer attempted three shots and Madison Murphy, Riley Stern and Emily Senatore took shots, but could not find the back of the net and TAMUC (4-5-1, 2-0) held on.

In the first half, NSU started fast once again, scoring a goal in the first half for the second consecutive game. In the third minute, Sabrina Lopez sent in a ball into the box that was deflected around and found the right foot of Spitzer, who scored her team-leading fourth of the season.

"We've been working on starting fast," Brophy said. "In practice, we've focusing on many things to help us start quicker and we have been able to see the results the last few games."

The goal was the second straight season Spitzer has tallied four goals. It was one of her team-high five shot attempts, as the teams tied 14-14 in the category. Senatore recorded four shot attempts for NSU
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Following the goal, the Lions controlled much of the rest of the half. In the first half, TAMUC outshot NSU 9-4.

The Lions tied it up on a penalty kick following a foul in the box on a clear chance for TAMUC. Camila Montero put home the penalty kick, going bottom left corner of the net to tie the score in the 26^th minute.

The foul drew a red card, as both teams had a player sent off in the first half, as the teams were given a combined six yellow cards and the two red cards in the game.

Madison Murphy had a chance late in the first half, but on a bouncing ball, her shot in the box sailed over the crossbar and the score was tied 1-1 at the break.

In the second half, NSU controlled much of the half, outshooting TAMUC 10-5 in the half. While the Lady Demons generated more shots and dangerous opportunities, the Lions capitalized big time on one of theirs on Bell's deciding goal.

"It was encouraging for us to create a number of chances in the game," Brophy said. "We had a number of dangerous scoring chances, including shots on frame. Our next step is taking advantage of the chances created. I am disappointed we only scored one goal, but encouraging we were able to create so many chances.

Bell's goal was assisted by Mindy Shoffit and Melissa Storey.

The Lady Demons attempted six shots in the final 11 minutes, but they couldn't find the back of the net.

Banuelos made two saves for NSU, while Gillian McKenzie and Sophia Dean each made one save for TAMUC. Both goalkeepers for the Lions played a half.

NSU comes back home Friday evening when it battles in-state rival McNeese at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex before heading on the road for three straight contests.