Southern Miss Defeats Alabama State 4-0 in Owens Era Opener

Thursday, August 13

Montgomery, Ala. / ASU Soccer Complex

6 p.m.

Southern Miss

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Alabama State

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Southern Miss.	3	1	4
Alabama St.	0	0	0

Southern Miss Defeats Alabama State 4-0 in Owens Era Opener

8/13/2026 9:05:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Southern Miss soccer dominated in head coach Danny Owens' debut Thursday night, defeating Alabama State 4-0 at the ASU Soccer Complex to open the 2026 season. The Golden Eagles controlled the match from start to finish, outshooting the Hornets 16-7 while maintaining a clean sheet in the first competitive test of Coach Owens' tenure.

The Golden Eagles struck early and often. Ava Bynes opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, setting the tone for what would become a dominant display. By halftime, Southern Miss had built a commanding 3-0 lead with goals from Shaelynn Quick and Ameera Edwards. Quick struck at 31' with an assist from Leslie Rodriguez. Bynes added a second goal in the 59th minute to complete the scoring.

Bynes led the Golden Eagles with two goals on two shots, while Quick scored once with three shot attempts. Edwards contributed a first-half goal, and Rodriguez assisted on one of Southern Miss' early goals. The Golden Eagles' control was evident throughout, registering five corner kicks compared to Alabama State's zero and dominating possession for the full 90 minutes.

Logan McGruder started in goal for the first half and recorded two saves in keeping the Hornets off the board. Jenni Dähne entered in the second half and recorded a clean sheet in 27 minutes of work. Alabama State managed only two shots on goal, unable to find rhythm against Southern Miss' defensive pressure and midfield control.

The win provided the kind of dominant start Coach Owens was seeking in his first match at Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles controlled tempo from kickoff, moved the ball with purpose, and converted chances when they arrived.

Up Next

Southern Miss travels to McNeese on Sunday, August 16 for a 5 p.m. kickoff at Cowgirl Field in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The Golden Eagles continue their non-conference schedule as they build toward Sun Belt Conference play, which opens September 18 at home against James Madison.

For more information and to stay up to date with the Golden Eagles, visit SouthernMiss.com and follow the women's soccer team on Twitter (@SouthernMissSOC) and Instagram (@southernmisssoccer).

– #SMTTT –