MOBILE, Ala. ? The University of South Alabama (8-2-1) soccer team defeated Middle Tennessee 2-1 at “The Cage” Friday night. The Jags improved 2-1 on the year in conference play, while Middle Tennessee fell to 1-2 in the SBC.

“This was the best team effort of the season,” head coach Mike Varga said. “I told our team that the harder they work, the more luck they will have.”

The first half proved to be a stalemate as both defenses and goalies played extremely well. The Jags came back in the second half energized as junior Carly Williams gave USA a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute. Junior Tiara Smith dribbled through the Blue Raider defense and led Williams for her fourth goal of the season.

South Alabama struck back in the 49th minute on a perfect ball from junior Cortney Stewart to Smith for her 10th goal of the year and a 2-0 USA lead. The Blue Raiders fought back and used a corner kick to cut the deficit to 2-1. On the corner kick freshman Amelia Milne headed the ball on the goal line, but the ball deflected and allowed Jen Threlkeld to score her seventh of the season.

“We needed a second goal tonight because Middle Tennessee is a dangerous club,” Varga noted.”

Goalie Kelsie Langford played extremely strong with a season high 15 saves and recording her sixth win of the season.

“Kelsie was very solid tonight. She gave them no second opportunities and everything close she held onto,” Varga added. “In the closing minutes, she made a great save, but was in the right place at the right time.”

South Alabama continues with the weekend series with a match against Western Kentucky Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.