MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama soccer team opens the 2010 season this weekend with a pair of road matches against Jackson State and LSU. The Jags travel to Jackson, Miss., Friday for a 3 p.m. match against Jackson State, before traveling to Baton Rouge, La., for a 1 p.m. contest Sunday afternoon.

USA returns 11 letterwinners and eight starters from last season’s squad including 2008 second-team all-Sun Belt Conference selection, Brandi Smith. She has led the Jags in goals (7), points (15), shots (38) and shots on goal (20) for the past two seasons. The junior from Oak Leaf, Texas, finished tied for sixth in the SBC in goals and goals per game (0.37), and ranks fifth at USA in goals in a single-season with 13 goals in 2008.

“I am pleased with how the preseason has gone this year,” USA head coach Mike Varga said.  “The attitude of the players and the work rate has been incredible.  We still have a lot of things to perfect, but I am happy with where we are at this point of the season.  The returning players have been welcoming of the newcomers and the team has blended very well.  I am excited to get the season started and I know the team is as well. There will be a lot of nerves Friday with so many young players, but our preparation has been good, so I think we will settle in quickly.”
 
The Jags are 1-0 all-time against JSU after defeating them 18-0 in their initial meeting in Aug.1992. The Tigers return four key starters from last season’s team that finished with an 8-6-2 overall record. Jackson State won the South Western Athletic Conference east division and ended their season with a 1-0 loss in the league semifinals to Arkansas-Pine Bluff  last year.

The Tigers are led by Lisa Wren who appeared in 15 games last season and scored four goals.

LSU returns 12 letterwinners and six starters from last season’s 15-4-5 team. The Tigers won the Southeastern Conference West division and advanced to the NCAA second round before falling to 4-2 to Texas A&M.

USA will face LSU for the ninth time in the program’s history Sunday afternoon. The schools have not met since Aug. 2008, when the Tigers defeated the Jags 2-0. The all-time series is tied 4-4-0.

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).

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