2012 USA Women's Soccer Quick Facts

MOBILE, Ala. – Head coach Mike Varga noted a building sense of urgency leading up to this opening weekend for the University of South Alabama women’s soccer team; perhaps, because the squad has already retired one formidable side.
 
Heading into last weekend’s unofficial opener - versus USA soccer alumni – with bumps, bruises and heavy legs, the Jags still managed a result, scoring three second-half goals to win by two.
 
Said Varga after the game, which was contested at The Cage on Saturday, “That was the best alumni team we’ve seen. They were very athletic and threatening throughout.
 
“We got sloppy at times,” he followed. “It was a challenge, but we will get our legs back under us and be ready for Friday.”
 
Kickoff against the Jags first opponent of the 2012 campaign will be at 7 p.m. at The Cage. USA will take on Nicholls State of the Southland Conference, located in Thibodaux, La. – approximately three-and-a-half hours west of Mobile.
 
The Colonels, coached by Dylan Harrison, finished 6-12-2 last season and will return six starters. USA holds a 5-0 advantage over meetings in the past, the last which resulted in a 3-0 Jag victory at the Trojan Classic last September.
 
The Jaguars hope local enthusiasm from a victory will carry them east on Sunday, as they will travel to Macon, Ga., to take on the Mercer Bears. The Jags have two wins to the Bears’ one all-time, and the last meeting was a 2-0 USA win in 1999.
 
“I don’t mind that we have a home game then have to hit the road,” said Varga. “It’ll be a one-day trip, and we can start getting the girls adjusted to the road. We’ll have to be strong on the road when conference play begins (Sept. 21; FIU), so let’s start now.”
 
On the current condition of the Jaguars less than two days away from the first match, Varga said, “We are as prepared as we can be. We have several returning players, so preseason camp has been a lot of polishing. I like our chances right now.”
 
All home soccer matches throughout the season will be free to all attendees. The Cage is located on Old Shell Road just east of Stanky Field.
 
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).