Richards powers Troy in strong week to close non-conference play

Troy soccer kicked off conference play with a 0-0 draw on the road against Arkansas State. While the Trojans offense was not able to secure a goal, goalkeeper Taylor Richards ensured the same for the Red Wolves. In 90 minutes of play, Richards rejected eight shots, setting a new career high – two saves came in the last 10 minutes, preserving the shutout.  

On the way to setting a new career high, Richards earned her third shutout this season, tying Sierra Giorgio of South Alabama for the conference lead. The junior is also tied for the conference lead for most saves in a shutout with eight. Her eight-save performance was the most by a Troy goalkeeper since 2020, where Lindsay LaRoche saved eight shots against Texas State during the Sun Belt Tournament. 

"Taylor had a good, solid performance,” said head coach Stuart Gore. “She made some good, clean saves and got the shutout, which all goalkeepers strive for.” 

Following her performance, Richards ranks first in the conference in goals against average with a .714. She finds herself second in the conference in save percentage, boasting a .821 mark.  

This performance helped boost Troy to their first point in a conference opener since 2022, moving it into a four-way tie for second place in the Sun Belt West. 

"I think it's a good point on the road on a very tough, slow field against an opponent that's only played one game in two weeks,” Gore said. “We've had a long four days of travel - to come away with a shutout and a point in conference shows great resilience." 

Her performance was not the only positive for the Trojans, as offensively the team shot 12 corner kicks to set a new season high. Five of Troy’s shot attempts came within the first 15 minutes of game action. Troy also is 3-0 at home this season, a record that will be put to the test when they return to action. 

The Trojans are set to continue conference play by welcoming the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles into the Troy Soccer Complex. Action is set for Thursday, Sep. 18 at 7 p.m.