USA vs. Alcorn State box score


TROY, Ala. – After a scoreless first half, University of South Alabama senior forward Brandi Smith (Red Oak, Texas) picked up the brace Friday afternoon to lead the Jaguars to a 3-0 victory over Alcorn State on day one of the Trojan Classic in Troy, Ala.

“We made some adjustments at halftime, and we asked Brandi to make a certain run, which she did,” said USA head coach Mike Varga. “Then she very calmly put the ball in the back of the net. She did exactly what we asked her to do at halftime and it resulted in two goals.”

At the 54-minute mark Smith put the Jags on the board with goal assisted by Shelby Owen (Trussville, Ala.), her second game winner of the season. In the 60th minute Smith netted a cross from sophomore Morgan Motes (Birmingham, Ala.) to extend South Alabama’s lead to 2-0.

Sophomore defender Tatum Perry added the third and final Jaguar goal of the afternoon four minutes before the end of play.

With the win, the Jags improve to 4-1 on the season, while the Lady Braves fall to 0-2.

USA’s defense had a stellar performance, holding Alcorn State to one shot, while the offense was able to put up 21, including 14 on goal.

“I was pleased with how we controlled most of the match,” Varga said. “We had a dominating performance defensively. The only thing that was frustrating to me was that we had very good chances to score and we didn’t put it away, but I’ll take the win every day.”

Jaguar goalkeeper Melissa Drish (Conyers, Ga.) picked up the win and her second shutout of the season.

USA will face Nicholls State Sunday at noon on the final day of the tournament.

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).