USA vs. JSU box score

MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama soccer team remained undefeated at The Cage after its 2-0 win over Jacksonville State Sunday afternoon.

With the win, the Jaguars improved to 3-1 on the season, while the Gamecocks fell to 0-4.

“I was very pleased with how we started the match,” said USA head coach Mike Varga. “The first 15 minutes were the best 15 minutes we’ve played to date, and we were rewarded with two goals. Even if we play like that and don’t score, our level needs to stay high. Overall, I was very pleased with the entire match today.”

Seniors Landi Wilson (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Brandi Smith (Red Oak, Texas) were able to record both USA goals within the first 15 minutes of the match.

“They had some mismatch opportunities on the outside and looked at the proper times to make those runs.” Varga said. “They did a good job of moving and being aggressive going to the goal. I thought they could’ve gotten a couple more each. We’ll need to put those chances away later in the year, but fortunately we didn’t need to finish all of them today. The aggressive mentality is what I like to see out of them.”

Wilson put the Jags on the board in the third minute, knocking in a pass from sophomore Morgan Motes (Birmingham, Ala.), followed by Smith’s goal at the 12-minute mark. Senior Rachael Hess (Grand Prairie, Texas) and freshman Shawn Meach (Pensacola, Fla.) picked up the assists on the latter play.

South Alabama goalkeeper Melissa Drish (Conyers, Ga.) got the win, recording two saves to preserve her first shutout of the year.

The Jaguars outshot the Gamecocks, 16-7.

Next USA will compete at the Trojan Classic in Troy, Ala. Sept. Friday-Sunday.  The Jaguars will face Alcorn State at noon the first day to open the tournament, taking on Nicholls State at the same time Sunday.

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).