SU soccer tries to kick streak to four against Alcorn State

The Southern University Lady Jaguars soccer team increased their winning streak to three on Oct. 23, when they defeated the Golden Lionettes of Arkansas-Pine Bluff 3-1.
But the team delivered a shocker when they beat current Southwestern Athletic Conference soccer champs, Grambling State, 1-0 on Oct. 21.
“The young ladies executed well,” said Interim Head Coach John Knighten. “We are putting into play what we have been working on all season; control, pass, and support.”
Southern (3-8, 3-5 SWAC) was led by freshman forward Merdlyn Matthews against Arkansas Pine-Bluff, who recorded her first collegiate hat trick. Freshman midfielder Almarie Soto-Ortiz assisted on Matthew’s first two goals while sophomore defender Courtney Smith assisted on the third goal.
Against Grambling State, the Lady Jaguars played in their second straight overtime game in their second win. Freshman midfielder Charmaine Jones kicked the wining goal to lead Southern to victory.
Jones also helped in the win against Arkansas Pine-Buff when she took the foul in the penalty box to force a penalty kick. Freshman midfielder Kendall Smith took the shot to lead the Lady Jaguars to their second straight win of the season and the first against Grambling.
“I pretended the goalie was Assistant Coach Greg (Corbett),” Smith said. “Because I always miss my penalty kicks against him in practice.”
All the games against SWAC opponents will count this year and the win against Arkansas Pine-Bluff secured Southern at least a top three spot in the western division and a third straight trip to the SWAC’s title tournament. The Lady Jaguars will host the Lady Braves of Alcorn State University (2-8, 2-5 SWAC) at home for a season-concluding game at Clark Park today in Baker at 4 p.m.