Box Score LITTLE ROCK, Ark. ? The UALR Trojans soccer team (6-4, 1-0) opened up Sun Belt Conference play with a 2-0 victory over South Alabama (5-3-1, 0-1) at Burns Park Friday night. With six wins, the Trojans have matched last year's win total in just 10 games.
“We're pretty excited,” said head coach Greg Hess. “The girls have really stepped up. They are coming together, and they are playing well. We're not making as many mistakes and are capitalizing on our opportunities. You have to protect your home field and to start out 1-0 in conference against a very good South Alabama team says a lot about this group of girls.”
The game started out evenly balanced as both teams tried to get the early advantage. After a defensive mistake, the Trojans struck first in the 17th minute as Alex Rustad made a great pass to teammate Grace Rich, who knocked in her fifth goal of the season from 15 yards out. The score remained 1-0 until the 66th minute when Rustad found Jessica Beaver off a corner kick, and Beaver headed the ball into the back of the net.
“Alex (Rustad) was awesome,” said Hess. “She's been one of the steadiest players in every single game we played. You can't go without recognizing the defense for getting another shutout. Grace scored the best goal we've had in about five years. All in all, they all played a great game. The midfield dominated and it was just a good team win.”
Once again, the Trojan defense led by Heather Pittman and Courtney Renfro seemed to snuff out any chance for the Jaguars to try and rally. Trojan netminder Jane Picarelli made six saves on the night, five coming in the second half, to post her third shutout of the season. Picarelli has not allowed a goal in her last 315:00 of playing time.
The Trojans look to continue their winning streak this Sunday as they take on the Troy Trojans at Burns Park. Game time is set for noon.
