JACKSONVILLE, Ala. ? The University of South Alabama soccer team dropped its final non-conference match of the season to Jacksonville State University 3-2 on Friday in Jacksonville.

“We came out very timid and didn’t work hard in the first half,” USA head coach Mike Varga said. “We played very soft defensively in the first half, but we had some chances early in the game. I challenged them at halftime to play with some pride, and we came out and scored two goals.”

JSU midfielder Kristi Pelletier gave the Gamecocks an early 1-0 lead at the 16:59 mark of the first half.

Kristi Pereira extended the JSU lead to 2-0 with a goal at the 26:39 mark of the first half on a cross from the right box.

The Gamecocks (2-4-2) took a 3-0 lead on a goal by Amber DeLaney at the 30:33 mark of the first half.

USA cut the deficit to 3-1 when Kayla Conrad scored her first goal of the season on an assist by Tiara Smith at the 49:20 mark of the second half.

The Jags cut the JSU to 3-2 on Lauren Marsh’s first goal of the season off of an assist from Liz Clark at the 89:58 mark of the second half.

USA out shot JSU 17-15 in the match. The Jags finished with 11 shots on goal, while the Gamecocks totaled nine.

South Alabama (2-6) will open conference play on Friday against Arkansas State at “The Cage.” Kickoff is scheduled for 7 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).