USA vs. Morehead State box score



MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama soccer team recorded its first tie of the season, 2-2, after a defensive battle with Morehead State that led to double overtime Friday night at The Cage.

“It was a Morehead State style match,” said USA head coach Mike Varga. “It was a physical battle, a real stop-and-go, choppy match. It’s not one that we’re comfortable with, but I give our team a lot of credit. We stayed with what we had to do, we found a couple chances to score goals, and we ended up with a draw which is part of the game.”

South Alabama’s win streak ends at seven, but the Jags remain unbeaten at home and are now 7-1-1 on the season. Morehead State moves to 4-2-2.

After 44 scoreless minutes the Eagles’ Brittany Kiracofe was able to salvage a loose ball in front of the net to put Morehead State on the board.

In the second half, the Jags rallied and answered with a pair of goals just minutes apart by senior forwards Brandi Smith (Red Oak, Texas) and Landi Wilson (Cincinnati, Ohio).

Smith blasted a shot from the top of the 18-yard box into the lower corner of the net to tie the match 1-1 in the 63rd minute.

“She’s missed some easy ones this year and that one was actually a very difficult goal,” said Varga. “She got it because we all worked and got the ball to the ground and found Brandi’s feet. She stepped up to the ball, was very composed, and buried it.”

Wilson followed in the 65th minute netting a short pass from sophomore Linsey Snavely (Hayes, Va.) putting the Jaguars on top for the first time in the match, 2-1.

“They scored a scrappy one in the first half, so we got even with that one in the second,” Varga said. “That’s part of the game too. If the ball gets knocked around a little bit you’ve got to be ready to stick your nose in there and put on in the back of the net.”

Morehead State’s Elizabeth McSparin equalized the match in the 83rd minute, as she hauled in a long pass from Ali Hawksford and lifted a long shot from the left corner that bounced off the far post and into the back of the net.

South Alabama was outshot for only the second time this season. Morehead State put up 27 shots to the Jags’ 13.

USA goalkeeper Melissa Drish recorded a season-high 11 saves on the night.

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).