University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Golden Eagles Prepare For Little Rock
9/2/2021 11:28:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Southern Miss soccer team returns home for a single game, taking on the Trojans of Little Rock on Friday, Sep. 3, at the Southern Miss Soccer Complex with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m.
"I am excited for our players to get another opportunity to play in front of our fans. We are looking for our players to capitalize on every chance they are given and take nothing for granted. This is another opportunity to get better" said assistant coach Carly Mauldin.
Freshman Adaira Nakano noted "We are coming into our fifth game of the season and have already made a name for ourselves. We all work hard day in and day out, and our grit has not gone unnoticed. I am beyond proud of this team and extremely grateful that I get to learn from them. I am excited to see where the season takes us as we prepare for Little Rock this Friday. Southern Miss To The Top - one day at a time."
Series History: Southern Miss leads the series, 1-0-0. The first game was in 2008.
Last Meeting: The Black and Gold last met the Trojans on Aug. 31, 2008. Southern Miss won the match, 1-0.
Last Time In Hattiesburg: The previous meeting between the Golden Eagles and the Trojans in Hattiesburg, Miss. was on Aug. 31, 2008. A first-half goal by Sarah McFadden in the 17th minute was the difference-maker. Southern Miss goalkeeper Holly Cox made five saves on the night and the lone yellow card went to USM's Daniela Picado in the 84th minute.
Freshman On Fire: Southern Miss freshman Ilana Izquierdo continues her midfield dominance and leadership as she put together fantastic performances against Nicholls and Alabama. Playing against the Colonels, the Columbian put way two goals and grabbed an assist in the 8-0 win. In the following game versus Alabama, Izquierdo scored two goals in 56 seconds for the Golden Eagles, going from 2-0 down to level the match at, 2-2.
Latin Connection: Senior Ariel Diaz and freshman Ilana Izquierdo have combined for 33 percent of all Golden Eagle goals so far this season. Through four games, Diaz has two goals and three assists for seven points while Izquierdo has four goals and one assist, totaling nine points.
Double The Reliability: Freshmen Ilana Izquierdo and Natalie Wilson have become the go-to selections in the starting eleven having started all four games so far this season; the only freshman to do so. Graduate students Kendell Mindnich and Ariel Diaz, along with juniors Tay Collum and Madisyn Flammia are the other athletes who have been selected to start all four games.
For Southern Miss Soccer updates, follow the team's Twitter account, @SouthernMissSoc, and check the main athletics site at SouthernMiss.com.
