AUSTIN – The Angelo State soccer team opened its season on Friday with a 2-1 loss at No. 6-ranked St. Edward's University. Brandie DeBacker scored the Rambelles' only goal of the match in the 82nd minute at the SEU Soccer Field.
“Even though we didn't get the win, I think we played really well,” DeBacker said. “We just had some minor breakdowns that we can fix.”
The Rambelles (0-1) return to action at 4 p.m. on Tuesday against Texas-Permian Basin at the ASU Soccer Field. UTPB took last year's match against ASU, 2-1, in Odessa.
DeBacker's first goal of the 2011 season, which was assisted by a punt from goalkeeper Morgan Harrison which got behind the Hilltoppers' defense, came after St. Edward's built a 2-0 lead from a first-half goal from Rachel Murray and a 78th minute goal from Mikayla Engel.
“I like how we didn't stop playing. I think some teams find themselves down 2-0 and quit,” ASU head coach Travis McCorkle said. “We kept fighting and found a goal. Right now, early in the season playing at the No. 6 ranked team's home, I can accept the result. Overall, we will learn from this and be a stronger team.”
The Rambelles played without starting goalkeeper Taylor Cardinal for the final 78 minutes after the freshman hyper extended her knee while making a throw. Harrison recorded two saves and had two goals against in the match.
“Morgan stepped in and played well,” McCorkle said of the freshmen from Grapevine High. “I know she wasn't expecting to have to come in like that, but she did a great job considering the circumstances.”
“It was definitely a shock,” Harrison said. “I was just sitting there with my shin guards off when I saw Taylor go down and twist her knee. It was short notice but I think I handled it well.”
The Hilltoppers outshot the Rambelles, 12-2, in the match and had 10 corner kicks to ASU's one.
“I thought we had some good chances, but unfortunate the end pass was not there to get a shot off,” McCorkle said. “There were some opportunities but we didn't get to the point where we could finish. The big difference was they executed better than us.”

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