MOBILE, Ala. - After earning its first home win of the season last Friday, University of South Alabama soccer closes non-conference play this weekend with road matches at Georgia State and no. 12-ranked South Carolina.
"The team was disappointed after not being able to finish the match on Sunday due to weather, so we are anxious to play another match," USA head coach Mike Varga said. "We had a good team video session the other day, and training has gone well, so as always, I expect us to be ready to compete this weekend against two tough opponents on the road."
USA (2-4-0) travels to Atlanta Friday for a 6 p.m. (CT) contest with Georgia State. The Jags are 2-1-0 all-time against the Panthers. GSU (4-1-0) won the last meeting between the schools, 2-1, in 2003. The Panthers suffered their first defeat of the season last Friday, falling to no. 15-ranked Georgia 3-0 in Athens, Ga.
GSU is led offensively by Sarah Bennett, who leads the team in goals (4) and points (9). Defensively, the Panthers are led by goalkeeper Heidi Blankenship, who has recorded two shutouts this season.
On Sunday, the Jags travel to Columbia, S.C., for a 1 p.m. (CT) match against no. 12-ranked South Carolina. It will be the Jags' final non-conference match before the start of conference play, and the first meeting between the schools.
Sunday's match with USC (6-0-0) will mark the second time this season the Jags have played a school ranked in the top 15. The Gamecocks are 2-0 at home this season, with wins over College of Charleston (2-0) and Western Carolina (2-0).
USC is led by goalkeeper Mollie Patton, who has recorded shutouts in all six matches this season. Patton is tied for nationally in goals-against-average, shutout percentage and save percentage. Offensively, the Gamecocks are led by Kayla Grimsley who leads the team in goals (5) and points (11). USC is tied for 19th in the nation in team scoring.
USA goalkeeper Katie Berry enters the weekend tied for first in the Sun Belt Conference in shutouts (2). The senior from North Olmsted, Ohio, also ranks second in shutouts per game (0.40) and fourth in saves per game (6.20).
Live stats for Friday's match with Georgia State can be accessed by clicking here.
Live stats for Sunday's match against South Carolina can be accessed by clicking here.
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).
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