Jackson State Falls to Abilene Christian 3-1 Despite Second-Half Comeback

SHREVEPORT, La. — Jackson State overcame a halftime deficit but lost to Abilene Christian 3-1 Saturday night at Messmer Stadium. The Tigers scored their lone goal in the second half and outshot the Wildcats, but a red card and late goals sealed their fate.

Jackson State threatened early, with Elon Sheffield testing Abilene Christian goalkeeper Bella Medrano in the eighth and 20th minutes. The Wildcats took a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute on a goal from Addison Briscoe. Despite the setback, the Tigers pushed forward, with Nahomy Portillo forcing a save and Josetiarainnah Olaco shooting wide before halftime.

Early in the second half, Olaco scored her first career goal at 50:37 to level the score. Less than two minutes later, Makayla Sturkey received a red card, leaving Jackson State down a player. Abilene Christian capitalized with a penalty kick from Mikayla Abrenica at 52:25 to take a 2-1 lead.

The Tigers remained aggressive, with Portillo forcing another save and earning back-to-back corner kicks in the 61st and 62nd minutes. The Wildcats extended their lead in the 70th minute when Aliyah Anderson scored off an assist from Briscoe. Jackson State continued to press, with shots from Nina Kammertoens, Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper, and Portillo, but could not find the equalizer.

Kianah Farmer made six saves for the Tigers, including a pair late in the game. Jackson State finished with 12 shots and five on goal, just behind Abilene Christian’s 14 shots and nine on target. The game demonstrated the Tigers’ resilience after falling behind early and responding to adversity.

Jackson State will travel to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to face McNeese State on Thursday at 7 p.m.

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