Sunday, September 7
Marshall Bell Track & Field and Soccer Complex
1 p.m.
Southern Miss
1-5-1, 0-0-0
1
vs
0
Louisiana Tech
1-6-1, 0-0-0
1
2
F
Louisiana Tech
0
0
0
Southern Miss.
1
0
1
Photo by: Joe Harper/bgnphoto.com
Golden Eagles Fly to First Win of Season Behind Strong Defensive Effort
9/7/2025 4:02:00 PM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss women's soccer (1-5-1, 0-0-0 SBC) secured its first victory of the 2025 season on Sunday afternoon, earning a 1-0 shutout win over Louisiana Tech (1-6-1, 0-0-0 C-USA) at the Marshall Bell Track & Field and Soccer Complex.The Golden Eagles combined an early offensive spark with a disciplined defensive performance to notch their first clean sheet of the year.
Southern Miss wasted no time getting on the board. In the 11th minute, Ryan Smith calmly converted her third goal of the season after a perfectly weighted assist from freshman Lorilee Taylor. The early breakthrough energized the Golden Eagles, who controlled long stretches of play in the first half and set the tone for the remainder of the match. Smith's goal also marked her third in as many games, as she continues to emerge as a key leader in the attacking third.
From there, the Golden Eagles leaned on their defense to preserve the lead. Goalkeeper Maddie Ellis anchored the back line with 88 minutes in net, making one timely save to keep the Lady Techsters off the scoreboard. Lena Blake entered for the final moments to help close out the clean sheet, the first of the season for Southern Miss. The defensive unit held Louisiana Tech to just one shot on goal for the entire contest.
On the other side of the field, Southern Miss created chances of its own, finishing with six total shots and placing two on target. The Golden Eagles also generated momentum through set pieces, holding a 3-0 advantage in second-half corner kicks. Midfielders Raquelle Mitchell and Zayla Reagan added consistent pressure in the attack, helping keep the Lady Techsters on the back foot.
The victory marked not only Southern Miss' first win of the 2025 campaign but also a significant confidence boost for a team that has shown steady improvement over its last three matches. With Smith's continued scoring form, Taylor's creativity, and a defense that looked organized and composed, the Golden Eagles appear to be finding their stride as they continue their homestand.
Up Next
Southern Miss hosts Mississippi Valley State on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Marshall Bell Track & Field and Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT, and admission is free.
For the latest information on Southern Miss Soccer, follow the program on Facebook (facebook.com/SouthernMissSoccer), X (@SouthernMissSoc), and Instagram (@southernmisssoccer).
Southern Miss wasted no time getting on the board. In the 11th minute, Ryan Smith calmly converted her third goal of the season after a perfectly weighted assist from freshman Lorilee Taylor. The early breakthrough energized the Golden Eagles, who controlled long stretches of play in the first half and set the tone for the remainder of the match. Smith's goal also marked her third in as many games, as she continues to emerge as a key leader in the attacking third.
From there, the Golden Eagles leaned on their defense to preserve the lead. Goalkeeper Maddie Ellis anchored the back line with 88 minutes in net, making one timely save to keep the Lady Techsters off the scoreboard. Lena Blake entered for the final moments to help close out the clean sheet, the first of the season for Southern Miss. The defensive unit held Louisiana Tech to just one shot on goal for the entire contest.
On the other side of the field, Southern Miss created chances of its own, finishing with six total shots and placing two on target. The Golden Eagles also generated momentum through set pieces, holding a 3-0 advantage in second-half corner kicks. Midfielders Raquelle Mitchell and Zayla Reagan added consistent pressure in the attack, helping keep the Lady Techsters on the back foot.
The victory marked not only Southern Miss' first win of the 2025 campaign but also a significant confidence boost for a team that has shown steady improvement over its last three matches. With Smith's continued scoring form, Taylor's creativity, and a defense that looked organized and composed, the Golden Eagles appear to be finding their stride as they continue their homestand.
Up Next
Southern Miss hosts Mississippi Valley State on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Marshall Bell Track & Field and Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. CT, and admission is free.
For the latest information on Southern Miss Soccer, follow the program on Facebook (facebook.com/SouthernMissSoccer), X (@SouthernMissSoc), and Instagram (@southernmisssoccer).
Team Stats
LAT
USM
Goals
0
1
Shots
8
6
Shots on Goal
1
2
Saves
1
1
Corners
6
3
Fouls
3
4
Scoring Plays
Ryan Smith (3)
Assisted By: Lorilee Taylor
GOAL by USM Smith, Ryan Assist by Taylor, Lorilee.
10:32
Game Leaders
Players
mid
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
1
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
1
SOG
0
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
GK
/ Women's Soccer
GK
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
F
/ Women's Soccer
M
/ Women's SoccerF
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