Soccer Eagles Begin Two-Game Conference Homestand Friday
9/28/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 28, 2012
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss will host a pair of conference foes this weekend as they begin a stretch of seven of their final nine games at home when Rice and Houston come to the Hub City.
The Golden Eagles (3-5-1, 0-2 C-USA) and Rice (5-4-2, 2-0) will kickoff at 4 p.m. on Friday while the Cougars (4-4-2, 0-0-2) come to town for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Sunday.
"The conference schedule is always challenging," said coach Scott Ebke. "We play a very tough non-conference schedule to prepare our team for these games, and we have put in a great week of training to get ready for this weekend."
Rice is led by a pair of strikers who have tallied 11 goals between themselves in Holly Hargreaves (6) and Lauren Hughes (5). In goal, Amy Czyz had carried the bulk of the load, working 971 minutes and allowing just 13 goals this season (1.20 per game).
Houston features an equally dangerous attack in a trio of goal scorers. Jasmine Martinez, Kayla Walker and Katelyn Rhodes have put up 10 goals this season for the Cougars and combined for 21 shots on goals. Of Martinez's 19 shots on the season, 12 have been on frame so she will be a key matchup for the Golden Eagle defense.
For the Golden Eagles, junior transfer Danica Roberts has provided an immediate offensive spark up top, contributing three goals. Junior Chelsea Cruthirds and senior Jordan Wagner have maintained their consistent pressure on goal this season, taking a combined 27 shots with four assists between the pair.
In goal, junior keeper Lindsey Schwaner has worked 828 minutes and given up just 14 goals (1.52 per game) and will look to keep form this weekend.
All home matches are held at the Southern Miss Soccer Complex off East Fourth street and admission to all matches is free.