Soccer kicks off conference play with draw on road

The Troy soccer team closed its non-conference schedule with a dominant 3-1 win over Stetson this past Thursday before earning a 0-0 draw at Arkansas State to open Sun Belt Conference play. 

 The Trojans held Stetson back, limiting the Hatters to only one goal. Troy recorded 10 shots, including four shots on goal. After Stetson opened with an early goal, the Trojans offense responded in full force. 

Alaina Uncapher scored the Trojans’ first goal off an assist from Elsa Stedman just a few minutes after the Hatters found paydirt. 

 Danielle Trovato powered a cross from Uncapher into the net later in the first half. Trovato recorded her first career goal to  give the Trojans a 2-1 lead going into the locker room. 

 “Falling behind and answering straight back was great to see from us,” said head coach Stuart Gore to Troy Athletics. “From there, we started to dominate the game a bit more in the first half and got rewarded with Danielle's goal after some great work from Alaina.” 

In the second half freshman Melanie Oldner also picked up her first career goal off an assist from Grace DeShetler and Megan Hamm. Hamm and DeShetler each picked up their second assists of the season. The pair is tied for the team lead in assists.  

The Trojans then traveled to Jonesboro, Arkansas, where the Trojans had a repeat of last year’s match against the Red Wolves, battling it out to a game ending 0–0 draw.  

Despite the draw, goalkeeper Taylor Richards had an outstanding performance. The junior recorded a career-high eight saves. She notched her third shutout of the season, which now ties her for the Sun Belt lead in shutouts. She also leads the conference with .719 goals against average. 

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

Following the opening week of conference play, Troy is now tied with ULM, Arkansas State and Texas State for second place in the Sun Belt West standings.  

The Trojans will return home Thursday night where they will play host to Southern Miss. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Troy Soccer Complex.