09/23/05– FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JAGUARS OPEN SUN BELT CONFERENCE PLAY WITH 2-0 SHUTOUT OF ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK

CONTACT: Kit Strief

Box Score

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama women's soccer opened the 2005 Sun Belt Conference slate with a 2-0 victory over Arkansas-Little Rock at “The Cage.” Sophomore Kelly Tarrant scored two goals for the Jaguars in the win. USA improves to 1-0 in SBC play and 3-2-1 overall, while UALR falls to 1-8-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

USA dominated in every facet of the game. The Jaguars posted 12 shots in the first period with six on goal. The Jaguars also won the battle of the corner kicks in the first half, 7-0. Tarrant scored her first goal off a corner kick in the 31st minute off an assist from sophomore Michelle Leppert. It was the first set piece USA has scored on this season. USA had numerous opportunities to build the lead, but was unable to get anything more past Trojan goalkeeper Marsha Stewart in the first half.

The second half was much like the first as USA spent most of the time on the offensive end. Tarrant and Leppert hooked up again in the 76th minute for the insurance goal, giving USA a 2-0 lead. UALR never gave up as it continued to battle the whole game and had a few late offensive chances, but were held to just one shot for the game.

USA finished the game with a 25-1 lead in shots and a 13-0 advantage in corners. Of the 25 shots, 10 were on goal. Tarrant led the team with eight shots and six on goal. Freshman Chiara Greco was second with seven shots and two on goal. Greco leads the team in shots with 20. Freshman goalkeeper Kelsie Langford saw just one shot, the first one of the game. Langford tallied her second career shutout.

The Jaguars will complete the home stand with a conference game against Arkansas State on Sunday at 1 p.m. at “The Cage.” ASU enters the game with a 3-6 record and 0-1 in the SBC after falling in the closing moments at Troy on Friday.