LSU soccer overcomes early deficit behind brace from freshman Hermannsdottir for 3-1 win

LSU’s soccer team showed some resiliency, overcoming an early one-goal deficit for a 3-1 victory Friday over Grambling State at LSU’s Soccer Stadium.

The visiting Tigers grabbed a 1-0 lead eight minutes into the match before the homestanding Tigers broke through with a pair of goals within a three-minute span to grab a 2-1 halftime lead.

“Credit to Grambling State for their performance today,” LSU soccer coach Sian Hudson said. “They came and defended well as a unit and grabbed a goal against the run of play in the first half with a great finish.

“I don’t think we were at our best tonight as a team,” Hudson said. “As the game progressed, we certainly saw more of the ball and began to open them up more defensively. Overall, we’ve got to get back on the training ground and look at a few things before we hit the road for our big match (Sunday) against Southern Miss on Sunday.”

North Carolina transfer Mollie Baker continued to be a scoring threat with her third goal for LSU with a score in the 24^th minute. Freshman Ida Hermannsdottir added her first career brace with goals in the 27^th and 82^nd minute, helping her team to breathe a little easier down the stretch.

LSU (3-0-2) dominated in every facet, outshooting Grambling 23-1 for the game with eight of those on frame. Goalkeeper Bella Zanotelli wasn’t credited with a save for the Tigers.  

Samantha Diaz’s 15-yard shot gave Grambling the early lead until Baker settled a long ball from Laney Gonzales just inside the 18, took one touch and fired a shot from 12 yards to tie the game in the 24^th minute.

Three minutes later, Angelina Thoreson dribbled up the right side of the field and played the ball off to a fast-charging Hermannsdottir. She ripped a shot from outside the 18 that went over the head of GSU goalkeeper Madison Covey-Taylor and into the back of the net.

Following a lightning delay after halftime, LSU didn’t gain its insurance until the 82^nd minute when Baker played a ball to Hermannsdottir near the 6-yard box. The talented freshman took one touch from the left side of the box and beat Covey-Taylor with a ground shot inside the left post.