The Southern Miss women’s soccer team opened Sun Belt Conference play with a 1-2 record over their first three games.
Southern Miss fell 4-2 at Georgia State in their conference opener. The Panthers scored first on a 22nd-minute goal by Hina Suzuki and added another three minutes later when Emily Glenn found the net. Paula Castro Garcia scored her first career goal for Southern Miss just before halftime to cut the deficit to 2-1. Georgia State added a third goal in the second half, but Raquelle Mitchell responded with her first goal of the season for the Golden Eagles. Maddie Ellis made seven saves, but the Panthers scored again in the 84th minute to secure the win.
The Golden Eagles rebounded in their next match, a 1-0 victory at Troy. Chloe Taylor scored in the 64th minute for Southern Miss, marking her first goal of the season. The Golden Eagles maintained strong defensive play for the remainder of the match, with Ellis recording a season-high 12 saves. Southern Miss finished the game with 11 shots, seven on goal.
Southern Miss’ third game ended in a 4-0 loss to South Alabama. The Golden Eagles were outshot 17-2, including eight shots on goal for the Jags. South Alabama’s offensive pressure led to four unanswered goals.
Southern Miss returns to Sun Belt action at home on Sunday, Sept. 28, hosting Old Dominion at the Marshall Bell Track & Field and Soccer Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT, with free admission.
