HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss outshot Louisiana
Monroe 30 to 3 and came away with a 4-1 victory over the Warhawks on Monday in
their home opener at the Southern Miss Soccer Complex.
"I was very pleased with today's result," said fifth-year
coach Scott Ebke. "We moved and possessed the ball well and took 30
opportunities at goal today which is one of the highest marks since we've been
here."
The Golden Eagles (2-1-1) broke open the scoring with their
first goal with in the 18th minute as junior forward Danica Roberts received a
service from senior Jordan Wagner and buried it into the back of the net from
18 yards out.
Louisiana-Monroe (2-3) answered the challenge with a goal
off a corner kick from forward Madison Chapman and an assist led by Bethany
Park to tie the game, but Southern Miss answered back two minutes later as
senior Kristen Windecker showed off her footwork to find space outside the box
to rip a 20-yard shot into the upper corner of the net.
Southern Miss added a pair of goals in the second half as
Wagner found herself alone in space with just the keeper to beat, before
finding the lower corner of the net and slipping it past Warhawk keeper Alex
Holland.
In the 65th minute, ULM tripped up Roberts in the box,
earning Holland a yellow card and the chance to defend a penalty kick. Roberts
took two steps and took the opportunity to pick up her second goal as a Golden
Eagle.
On Labor Day, the Golden Eagle fans showed up in droves and
Ebke was complimentary and thankful for their support following the match.
"Anytime we get the fans to come out and support the team
it's great," Ebke added. "Hopefully we put on a good show for them and get them
to come back for another game.
The Golden Eagles return to action this weekend when they
travel to South Alabama on Friday and take on in-state rival Mississippi State
in Starkville on Sunday.
