Southern Miss Athletics

USM Soccer recently closed out their 2024 season with a 3-0 loss to the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM), ending their chances of securing a spot in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. The defeat marked the first time Southern Miss has missed the tournament since 2019, halting a five-year streak of consecutive appearances.
ULM (9-8-2, 3-5-2 Sun Belt) snapped a four-game losing streak with their victory, while also ending USM’s six-game unbeaten run, the second longest in the conference behind James Madison’s ten-game streak.
The Warhawks took an early lead, with Beth Strutton scoring off a set-piece header in the 11th minute, assisted by Mara Grutkamp. Just seven minutes later, Giulia Franco extended ULM’s advantage with a goal, again set up by Grutkamp. ULM added their third and final goal five minutes into the second half when Skylar Blaise scored from a cross by Ally Richardson.
Freshman goalkeeper Jennifer Handy delivered her sixth shutout of the season for ULM, recording six saves. Handy’s performance ended USM’s run of scoring multiple goals in five consecutive conference matches, tying the program’s longest such streak, set in 2000.
USM (3-7-5, 2-3-5 Sun Belt) struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities despite multiple efforts. Goalkeeper Kesaia Bruni matched her season-high with six saves in her 11th start of the year, while teammates Taylor Stewart, Alice Williamson, Chloe Taylor, and Ishpreen Marwah led the team with two shots each.
This loss concludes a season of ups and downs for the Golden Eagles, who entered the year with high expectations under head coach Mohammed El-Zare. The team showcased strong performances early in the season, including a standout 5-0 home opener win against Mississippi Valley State, where freshman forward Raquelle Mitchell scored two goals in her debut.
Injuries and mid-season challenges hampered the team’s progress, but senior captain Rebeka Vega stood out throughout the season, earning two SBC Player of the Week honors and competing in the 2024 South American U-20 Championship with Team Venezuela. Vega helped Venezuela qualify for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Despite missing the tournament, USM plans to build on this season’s growth, returning a solid core of players and welcoming promising recruits for 2025.