MOBILE, Ala. – The South Alabama women's soccer team earned a draw after tying Mississippi State, 1-1 in an exhibition match at The Cage on Saturday.

Danielle Fuentes found the back net while taking a free kick right at the edge of the penalty box in the 36th minute of the first half. State answered in the second half at the 67-minute mark with a goal of its own from Hannah Telleysh. 

Date: 8/14
Place: The Cage (Mobile, Ala.)
Final Score: South Alabama 1, Mississippi State 1  
Records: South Alabama (Exh), Mississippi State (Exh)

GAME FACTS
- MSU's Hannah Johnson took a shot in the 21st minute that was saved by South Alabama goalkeeper Allison Luckhardt.
- Fuentes scored on a free kick at the 36-minute mark after State committed a foul in front of the penalty box.
- Telleysh netted they tying goal at the 67-minute mark in the second half to bring the match all square.
- In the extra period, Mississippi State had three shots, but all three were kept out of the net.

NOTES
- The match was an exhibition for both teams therefore neither of their records are affected by the outcome. 
- It was the second and final exhibition match for the Jaguars.
- The match was delayed for two hours due to a lightning delay less than 15 minutes after kickoff.
- While not an official contest, the meeting was the first between the two clubs since the 2019 season.
- Graduate student Kory Dixon made an appearance in a game for the first time since 2017 after missing the past three seasons due to injury. The senior forward registered 16 minutes of action on the pitch.
- Luckhardt faced the most shots in her career at The Cage during the match, carding 10 saves. 
- MSU held a decisive 24-2 advantage in shots taken and of its 24 shots during the match, 11 of were on goal.
- One 10-minute overtime period was played in the match.

THEY SAID IT
Head Coach Richard Moodie
On the result: "It was a good match, lots of good time on the legs. It was a great test and I think we can learn from this one going into the regular season."

On the team's defensive effort: "It was remarkable considering that we had three student-athletes back there who didn't play last year. We've got some room for improvement but we're happy with the performance."

On Kory Dixon seeing the field for the first time since 2017: "The team was clapping and cheering, we were delighted when she took the field.  She's invested in this program and we think she'll be on the score sheet this season without a doubt."

Kory Dixon
On making her return to the field: "I feel great. It was amazing coming back and getting a feel for the game. Coming in I was nervous, but then I gained confidence as time went on."

Danielle Fuentes
On her performance: "I think I had a good opportunity on that free kick. In my mind I knew I was going to make it and I was confident in myself."

UP NEXT
- The Jaguars will travel to Troy, Ala., to participate in the Troy Tournament on Friday, Aug. 20 when they will face Alabama A&M at 4 p.m.

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

Join the Upper 90 Club, the soccer specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All gifts to the Upper 90 Club go directly to support the South Alabama soccer program. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/upper90

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