South Alabama sinks claws into the Lady Jags

The women’s soccer match between the Southern University Lady Jaguars and the University of Southern Alabama team, began with a battle of defenses on Sunday, September 7 in the A.W. Mumford Stadium.
The SU Lady Jags (0-5) fended off their opponents to the best of their ability. They were unsuccessful, however, and the first goal was scored by Southern Alabama freshman Charde Hannah. SU couldn’t hold up against the onslaught of attacks from USA, and soon after the first goal came the second, a corner-kick assist from Danielle Henley, another freshman from USA. The SU Lady Jags attempted a strong comeback during the middle of the first half, rushing the ball down the field, but the momentum garnered was put to a halt as the referee called junior forward Jami Blackston, offsides.
After three saves by SU goalkeeper and senior Sarah Forde and an offsides call against USA, the third goal of the game was scored by USA freshman Rio Hardy, assisted by Nini Rabasatt-Smith, junior, and freshman Chelsea Followwell. After Southern Alabama established their 0-3 lead, SU substituted freshman forward Sydney Mitchell from Upper Marlboro, Maryland for Christen Blair, and SU junior from District Heights Maryland. Blair returned this season from an extensive knee-surgery.
With 20 minutes left in the first period, Southern Alabama received another goal from Chelsea Followwell. The 0-4 lead and remaining 15 minutes in the first half provoked a substitution from USA, putting freshmen Alyssa Pejic (midfielder) and Megan O’Loughlin (forward), seniors Shawn Meach (midfielder) and Emi Passini (defender) and junior Alyssa Mayer (defender). This substitution allowed for the SU Lady Jags to gain some ground against their opponents and keep the action closer to the Southern Alabama goal. Freshman Sophie Killip, SU midfielder from Cumbria, United Kingdom made a shot, which was blocked by USA goalkeeper Courtney Baum. After the save, Southern Alabama rushed downfield and forward Jordan Duncan made a shot that was blocked by SU goalkeeper Forde. However, Forde was unable to block Duncan’s next shot, which created the 0-5 lead with eight minutes left in the first half.Within the last five minutes of the first half, SU goalkeeper Forde managed to save one of the five shots taken by USA, the remaining four missing the goal. The half ended with Southern Alabama leading SU five to nothing.
In the first minute of the second half, SUBR freshman midfielder Jessica Perisco from Ontario, Canada took a shot which was saved by SA goalkeeper Lauren Steil. The 0-6 lead came when USA player Hardy, assisted by Hannah, scored another goal. The next shot by SU was a header by senior Courtney Bahadursing. The shot was saved by Steil. However due to stormy weather advisory, the coach and her staff could not be reached for comment.
With 1:52 left on the clock, USA player O’Loughlin, assisted by Duncan, scored the final point of the match, ending the game with a 0-7 lead. This game was the SU Lady Jag’s fifth game, and fifth loss of the season. Their next match will be against McNeese State in Lake Charles, LA on Friday, September 12.