University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
First Team In USM Soccer History To Win In Charlotte
9/16/2021 9:07:00 PM | Women's Soccer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Reigning C-USA Offensive Player of the Year, Ariel Diaz (Lubbock, Texas-North Texas) secured the first win at Charlotte in program history for the Golden Eagles in the 2-0 victory over the 49ers, Thursday, Sep. 16, at the Transamerica Field. The Black and Gold have now won three games on the bounce, earning a 5-2-0 record after seven games.
Southern Miss keeper Kendell Mindnich (Melbourne Beach, Fla.-Melbourne HS) earned another clean sheet on the season after facing 17 shots, grabbing five saves. The Golden Eagles ended the night with 15 shots overall, five shots on goal, and nine corners. Seven Golden Eagles competed for the full 90, as five saw action coming off the bench.
Seniors Samantha Stiglmair (Karlshuld, Germany-Mississippi State) and Ariel Diaz both notched a goal in the historic night for the Black and Gold as seniors Ariel Diaz and Macie Pennington (Townsend, Del.-Caldwell Univ.), along with sophomore Blessing Kingsley (Carlow, Ireland-Presentation College) all tallied an assist.
The Golden Eagles opened the scoring in Charlotte after the 25th minute as Stiglmair hit the ball on the half volley, beating the UNCC keeper at the near post. Soon after in the 34th minute, freshman Ryan Smith almost netted the second for USM after three shots on target in three minutes but was denied. Going into the break, the Golden Eagles led, 1-0.
At the 61st mark, the Lubbock native, Diaz, received the ball from Kingsley just outside the six-yard box but was able to beat three defenders and whip it past the 49er keeper for the USM insurance goal and 2-0 scoreline.
The Golden Eagles return home, Sunday, Sep. 19, to face Marshall in the conference home opener at 1 p.m.
For Southern Miss Soccer updates, follow the team's Twitter account, @SouthernMissSoc, and check the main athletics site at SouthernMiss.com.
