MOBILE, Ala. – The University of South Alabama soccer team's quest for a third straight NCAA Tournament berth begins Friday with the first of two matches to commence the 2015 season.

The Jaguars travel to Mississippi State Friday at 7 p.m. before taking on in-state rival Samford on Sunday at 6 p.m. The game against MSU can be seen online on SEC Network+.

"I'm excited," said USA head coach Graham Winkworth. "We know that we're in for a very difficult weekend. We're excited to go and play an SEC opponent with a lot of athletic players. There will be a big crowd there and everyone will be pumped up. It's a fun environment to play in, home or away. One the game is going, you just hear the noise; it doesn't really matter if they're cheering for you or not, you use it as motivation. I'm sure there won't be a lack of motivation from either side Friday night. I'm just happy to finally start playing games that really matter and games against somebody other than ourselves."

Friday will mark the Jags' second appearance in uniform this month after a 1-0 exhibition win Sunday at Jacksonville State. USA outshot JSU 30-5 overall—holding a 17-2 advantage in attempts on net—and got a late goal from sophomore Ashlynn Jones (Pickerington, Ohio).

"I was pleased that we created a lot of chances and defended well," Winkworth said. "I'm maybe even more pleased with the unity that we've got within the team. We've got a lot of competition for places, and although during the practice sessions the workrate is extremely high, what I'm really happy with is the camaraderie within the team and the encouragement they provide one another. This past weekend where we went on a trip has really helped with that.

"So I'm pleased with the chemistry within the team going into the season. We are going to face adversity at some point, but I think that the closeness we've got will overcome that and we can have a strong season."

Mississippi State leads the all-time series 6-4 but has lost in each of the last two years to South Alabama, including last season's 2-0 defeat in Starkville on a brace from Chardé Hannah (Tupelo, Miss.).

The Bulldogs are coming off back-to-back 3-15 seasons but returns eight starters and 13 letterwinners, and has 11 newcomers.

"Mississippi State are a very direct team and we know we'll have to head the ball a lot this weekend, but our center backs are very strong and our fullbacks are too—we're good in the air—so that's something we'll be prepared for," Winkworth said.

"I'm expecting some big, strong athletic players and to play a little more direct than they've been in the last couple of years. They've got some players that can be dangerous on set pieces. We'll prepare accordingly, but I have every confidence in the ability of our players to defend that type of soccer. We won't turn it into a long-ball game; we'll relax and play the type of soccer that we've tried to make as our identity and hopefully make the game entertaining."

Samford was picked to defend their Southern Conference title by the league's head coaches. The Bulldogs return seven starters and two of their top three scorers from 2014, including Jermaine Seoposenwe, who was second on the team with nine goals and led the squad with 13 assists and 31 points.

"Both of these games are extremely tough, and Samford is the preseason favorite in the Southern Conference," said Winkworth. "They've beaten Little Rock comfortably in preseason and they only lost 1-0 to a talented Baylor team, so we know we'll be in for a massive challenge. They've got players with a lot of pace, try to play soccer in an attractive manner and have players with international experience. They've got a lot of talent, so we're expecting a good game."

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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