MOBILE, Ala.–After beginning the season with a tough non-conference schedule the University of South Alabama soccer team opens up Sun Belt Conference play this weekend in Louisiana.
USA will take on Louisiana-Lafayette Friday at 7 p.m., and close out the weekend Sunday with a 1 p.m. matchup against Louisiana-Monroe.
The Jaguars enter their conference opener after finishing their non-conference schedule with 2-6-1 record. The matches versus ULL and ULM will conclude the stretch of four straight road contests for USA. The Jags are 0-6 on the road this season after falling to Morehead state and Kentucky last weekend.
Offensively, Brandi Smith and Kristyn Thacker lead the team with three goals apiece, while Linsey Snavely leads the team with three assists.
“I have been pleased with the progress of our young team,” USA head coach Mike Varga. “We are a better team than our record indicates, but we need to start winning some close matches.”
“This is a new season and we will play two hungry teams this weekend. I know that both teams are well coached and will be ready for the opening weekend of league play. The Sun Belt Conference has become a very good soccer conference and it is always tough to play on the road, but I feel like our non-conference schedule has prepared us for weekends like this. I am confident that we will be ready to play our best soccer to date.”
USA is 5-2-3 all-time against ULL. The Ragin Cajuns defeated the Jags 1-0 last season at The Cage.
The Cajuns (5-4) enter the weekend after defeating Southeastern Louisiana, 2-0, Friday on the road. ULL is 3-1 at home this season and has outshot opponents 13-9.
Kelli Jestes and Cayla Chatman lead the ULL offense. Jestes has a team-leading four goals, while Chatman has three. Goalkeeper Amanda Moorefield has a goals against average of 0.99 and has recorded 19 saves this season.
South Alabama is 6-0 against the Warhawks all-time and defeated ULM 1-0 last season at The Cage.
ULM (2-6-1) enters the contest after falling to Arkansas-Pine Bluff,2-1, Friday at home, and coming back to tie Southeastern Louisiana, 1-1, Sunday on the road. The Warhawks have been outshot by opponents 19-12, and have recorded a 2-2 record at home this season.
Samantha Cashman leads the team in goals (3) and points (6), while Amy Porch has a team-leading 28 shots and 13 shots on goal.
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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