MOBILE, Ala. ? The University of South Alabama soccer team needed a victory to gurantee it would be in the Sun Belt Conference Championship in Mobile, Nov. 7th-10th. The Jaguars picked up that much-needed win with a 1-0 victory over Louisiana-Monroe at “The Cage,” Sunday afternoon. South Alabama improved to 9-6-3 on the year and 4-4-2 in the league, while Monroe fell to 7-11-1 and 3-6-1 in the league.

This was a big win for us because it qualifies us for the Sun Belt Tournament,” head coach Mike Varga said. “We approached this game just like a tournament game and I know Monroe did as well.”

South Alabama got the only goal they needed from sophomore Tiara Smith in the 52nd minute. Freshman Liz Clark played a perfect ball from the top of the box to Smith for her 11th goal of the season. The USA defense played strong and only allowed the Warhawks three shots on goal. Junior Kelsie Langford rebounded from a tough Friday night with her fifth shutout of the season.

“I thought we had some very good chances, but they are a very organized team and their keeper played very well,” Varga added.

The Jaguars still have one game to play as they travel to Troy for a 3 p.m. start, Nov. 2nd. Game results can be accessed online at usajaguars.com.