USA vs. ASU box score

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The University of South Alabama soccer team downed Alabama State 4-1 Friday night at Hornet Staduim.

“I was pleased that we were dominant in the match and we kept the ball on their end,” said USA head coach Mike Varga. “I was disappointed that we allowed a goal, but we bounced back, and after they scored we put two in to make sure we put the game away. We responded well to giving up a goal.”

The Jags improved to 2-1 on the season while the Lady Hornets fell to 0-3.

Senior Brandi Smith (Red Oak, Texas) and sophomore Clarissa Hernandez (Pensacola, Fla.) teamed up to net the first two goals against ASU.

Hernandez put the Jags on the board in the eighth minute of the match scoring on a cross from Smith. The duo doubled USA’s advantage at the 59-minute mark when Smith knocked in a shot assisted by Hernandez.

“They have a small field and Alabama State’s coaches did a great job,” Varga said. “They were much improved from what they were last year. On the first goal Brandi found Clarissa, and Clarissa put it in the back of the net. On the second goal Clarissa played the ball through to Brandi, and Brandi had a very composed finish.”

In the 84th minute senior Landi Wilson (Cincinnati, Ohio) added the third goal off a cross from sophomore Morgan Motes (Birmingham, Ala.). Wilson struck again assisted by Smith five seconds before the end of play.

“Landi had a great performance wide tonight,” said Varga. “They had a hard time dealing with her pace outside. She did a very good job of attacking the goal and was able to put two away for herself.”

Kyla Neale scored the Lady Hornets’ only goal of the night 79 minutes into the match. Dominique Humphrey recorded the assist.

South Alabama goalkeeper Melissa Drish picked up her second win of the season making three saves on the night.

The USA defense held Alabama State to eight shots, while the offense was able to put up 21.

 The Jaguars return home to face another in-state rival, Jacksonville State, Sunday at 1 p.m. at The Cage.

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).