Southern Miss women’s soccer (1-2-0, 0-0-0 SBC) secured their first win of the season by beating Mississippi Valley State in the home opener 2-1.
The Golden Eagles began the first half with a slow pace, allowing the Delta Devilettes forward Jaslyn Sanders to score a goal at 10′ in the first period. The Golden Eagles had ample opportunities at a goal but did not quite capitalize on an opportunity.
Still, the Golden Eagles played tremendous defense, allowing only one point in the first half while goalkeeper Alex Helbling had two saves.
At 36′, Parker Martin, assisted by Rebeka Vega scored a goal past goalkeeper Ludesha Reynolds making the score 1-1 closing out the first period. This marked Martin’s first collegiate goal and her first of the season.
“The team’s attitude during halftime was calm and poised. “The players had an opportunity to settle down, resting their minds and bodies. There was no panic nor fear, and everyone was focused.” Southern Miss head coach Mohammed El-Zare said.
The Golden Eagles more or less dominated the second period, having eleven shot opportunities, while the Devilettes only had three shot opportunities. Although the scoreboard does not quite tell the game’s story, it was obvious that the Golden Eagles were in complete control of the second period, allowing the Devilettes to cross midfield only seven times in the second period.
At 70′, midfielder Adaira Nakano scored an unassisted goal, making the score 2-1 in favor of the Golden Eagles. This goal marked Nakano’s first of the season. Devilettes struggled with getting opportunities at the goal line due to the outstanding defense of the Golden Eagles, only having three shot opportunities during the second period. The defense carried the team for the rest of the game.
“The objective of today’s game was to control the ball, move the ball, and switch points of attack to get in between the teeth of the defense. We hope to build off this win and carry it into their next game versus Northwestern State.” El-Zare said.
The Golden Eagles improved to 1-2 on the season. Next, the Golden Eagles will welcome Northwestern State on Aug. 31 at the Southern Miss Soccer Complex at 4 PM.
