The Crimson Tide’s struggles in SEC play continued Sunday evening, as Alabama fell to Texas A&M after giving up three unanswered goals in the second half.

The first half was a stalemate, as neither side could find the back of the net. The Tide, despite not being able to score in the half, outplayed the Aggies, putting up seven shots – three of which were on goal.

The second half had much more action, beginning with a goal from Tide star Gianna Paul in the 53rd minute, off an assist from Felicia Knox. The opening score was Paul’s eighth goal of the season and Knox’s fourth assist.

Things went downhill for the Tide after the seemingly promising start, as a miscue in the Alabama defense allowed the Aggies to even the score just two minutes later. Another lapse of communication in the defense led to a quick goal for A&M to take the lead in the 57th minute.

These odd defensive miscues are becoming too common from the Tide, as Auburn was able to score off miscommunication in the backline, just last game. With just four regular season games remaining, Alabama will need their defensive leaders to address the issue soon.

The Aggies’ final goal came from Jazmine Wilkinson in the 83rd minute, serving as the dagger to the Crimson Tide.

“Our goal was against the run of play. I hoped that would get us going, but they responded shortly after and we couldn’t seem to grab momentum,” coach Wes Hart said, after the loss.

The momentum belonged solely to the Aggies after their first goal, as they put up 11 shots, seven of which were on goal in the second half compared to just seven shots with one on goal for Alabama.

Dylan Pixton got the start at goalkeeper for the Tide, tallying a season high seven saves in the match. The loss was Pixton’s first as a starter, as she now holds a record of 5-1-2.

Hart summed the loss up perfectly, commending his team for “coming out flat,” and praised the Aggies for “playing like a team desperate to win.”

Alabama falls to a record of 8-3-4 with the loss, and is last in the SEC West with a record of 2-3-1 in conference play.

The Crimson Tide will be back in action Friday, when they host LSU in a match many fans may consider a “must win”.

 

Caden Johnson serves as WVUA-FM’s senior soccer writer. You can follow him on X @CadenLJohnson.