Southern Miss
UAB
Southern Miss Sets Sights On UAB In Semifinals
11/4/2021 3:42:00 PM | Women's Soccer
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Golden Eagles (9-3-3) will face the UAB Blazers (7-8-3) in the 2021 Conference USA Semifinals in Boca Raton, Fla. at 7 p.m. ET /(6 p.m. CT) on Friday, November 5.
Southern Miss returns to the Conference USA Semifinals for the second straight year, the first time this has been done in program history. Last year, USM lost to Rice on penalty kicks, 5-4, after the full 90 and two overtime periods could not separate the teams. The Golden Eagles will be looking for redemption against the Blazers having previously fallen in the regular season, 2-1 in Hattiesburg.
"Tomorrow will be a tough game against a really organized opponent. We are going to need everyone to step up! The players know what they need to execute on the field. I am excited to watch them compete," noted Assistant Coach Carly Mauldin.
Series History: The Blazers lead the series 15-6-3. The series started in 1998 as the Blazers won 2-0 in Hattiesburg.
Last Meeting: The Golden Eagles fell in double overtime to the UAB Blazers on Oct. 1, 2-1, in Hattiesburg. The Blazers opened the scoring in the 38th minute with a low shot into the left side of the net. A UAB penalty was given in the 52nd minute, but graduate student Kendell Mindnich came up with a diving save to the left side, keeping out the Blazers. Ten minutes later, a wonderfully constructed team play ending with a Kingsley goal, leveled the match at, 1-1. The Blazers went on to win the game in the 108th minute of double overtime from another left, low-hanging shot, for a final score of, 2-1.
European Excellence: Senior Samatha Stiglmair and sophomore Blessing Kingsley powered the Golden Eagles into the Semifinals for the second year in a row as the German international opened the scoring against FAU in the quarterfinals in the second minute with an assist from Colombian Ilana Izquierdo. The Ireland native gave Southern Miss its second goal of the match in the 39th minute with a quick left-footed shot.
Keys for Kendell: Fifth-year senior Kendell Mindnich has her sights set on the all-time wins record for a goalie at Southern Miss. She is currently tied with Hope Herron at 30 wins after beating FAU. A win over UAB on Friday night would give Mindnich the record and would then hold two program career records. She currently holds the shutout record with 13.
Game Info:
Teams: Southern Miss vs. UAB
Game Time: 7 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. CT
Location: FAU Soccer Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla.
LiveStats: bit.ly/3nRYFMD
Watch on ESPN+ : es.pn/3k7G9ii
For Southern Miss Soccer updates, follow the team's Twitter account, @SouthernMissSoc, and check the main athletics site at SouthernMiss.com.
