University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Soccer Kicks Off Season at Arkansas State Sunday
8/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss women's soccer team season kicks off on the road against Arkansas State, Sunday at 1 p.m. after having to postpone the home opener against Southern on Friday.
Coach Mohammed El-Zare returns 19 letterwinners, including five seniors. With seniors Breann Hedin, Somer Jones and Brittany Taylor returning, the chemistry on the field is a key factor into finishing the season with a winning record.
"One of our core values is a team-first mindset," El-Zare said. "We always raise the standards and hold each other accountable and I see that in all of my seniors and feel like they will lead us through this season."
The Golden Eagles also have top scorer, Kierstin Bradley, returning after scoring five goals in her first season in the black and gold. El-Zare said his team's commitment and determination to grow together will allow them to succeed during the season.
"They are understanding and know that they are just one member of the team and know when everyone contributes to being the best, staying resilient and working hard for one another, we will be happy with the results," El-Zare said.
The Golden Eagles return to Hattiesburg next Friday and take on the Warhawks of ULM in its first home game of the season. The season's schedule favors the Golden Eagles with five home games in a row with Mississippi State, Lamar, Jackson State, Southern and finally Louisiana Tech to open up conference play.
El-Zare sees the growth of the program moving in the right direction with the leadership his players have and the soccer IQ the younger players possess on the field.
"The team has done a great job mentoring and integrating newer players and that goes to the leadership of the upper classmen and our seniors," El-Zare said.
Watch the Golden Eagles live in Jonesboro by going to astateredwolves.com or follow us on twitter @SouthernMissSoc for live updates.
