BOWLING GREEN, Ky. ? The University of South Alabama soccer team suffered its first Sun Belt Conference loss of the season, falling to Western Kentucky 3-0 Friday night in Bowling Green, Ky.

“We gave away two early goals and dug a hole that was hard to get out of,” USA head coach Mike Varga said. “We have to make teams earn goals and not make mistakes like we did in the back tonight. Hopefully, we’ll live and learn and play better on Sunday.”

The Lady Toppers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead at the 5:26 mark of the first half on a goal by Kristi Cocchiarella.

WKU (7-0-3, 1-0-2) extended its lead to 2-0 at the 33:41 mark of the first half when Amanda Buechel netted a goal off of a free kick from the right wing.

Buechel added her second goal of the match at the 53:47 mark to give the Lady Toppers a 3-0 advantage.

WKU outshot USA 20-13 in the match and attempted seven shots on goal. The Jags attempted five shots on goal in the contest.

USA (4-7, 2-1) will look to rebound Sunday when it travels to Murfreesboro, Tenn. to take on Middle Tennessee in SBC action. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).