HATTIESBURG, Miss. – University of South Alabama soccer forward Landi Wilson scored two goals to lead the Jags to a 3-0 win over Southern Miss in the season opener Friday afternoon at Marshall Bell Track and Soccer Complex. 

Wilson gave the Jags an early 1-0 lead when she netted a goal from the top of the box near the post at the 19:29 mark of the first half. 

USA doubled its lead at the 22:51 mark of the first half, when freshman Natalie Parsons turned and scored inside the 18-yard box on an assist from Samantha Slover giving the Jags a 2-0 lead, which they carried into halftime. 

The Jags increased their lead to 3-0 at the 63:07 mark of the second half when Wilson scored her second goal of the match on an assist from Brandi Smith. 

USA goalkeeper Katie Berry earned her first career shutout, and recorded eight saves in the match.

 “It was a good team shutout,” USA head coach Mike Varga said. “We played well as a team defensively. Most of the shots we gave up were from quite a distance, because we stayed together defensively.  I think we still have a long way to go, but it’s good to start the season with a win.”

NOTES:  With the win, Varga moves within six wins of becoming the first coach to tally 100 victories at South Alabama … The Jags extended their lead in the all-time series, which now stands at 6-4-0 … USA improved its record in season openers to 9-7-0 … Friday’s win marked the seventh shutout in a season opener in the program’s history and the first since 2007 (Miss. Valley State, 5-0) … It also marked the third time the Jags have shutout an opponent in a season-opening road match, and the first since 2004 (Birmingham Southern, 1-0).

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).

 -USA-