Soccer remains undefeated at home with win over Jacksonville

Troy soccer returned to its winning ways at home against Jacksonville with a 2-1 win on Sunday. Jiselle Daniels continued her scoring streak in the match, and the Trojans bounced back after a midweek loss against North Alabama on the road.  

“I thought we were disciplined, and that’s what I asked them to be,” said head coach Stuart Gore. “The intensity was great, and I couldn’t be more proud.” 

The Trojans held a potent Dolphins offense in check for the majority of the match. Jacksonville netted nine goals in its season opener against Edward Waters and dismantled Sun Belt Conference team Georgia Southern, 4-1. 

In the first half, both teams were held scoreless with Troy firing off just three shots. Jacksonville attempted seven shots in the opening half, but two first-half saves from Taylor Richards kept the Dolphins off the board.  

Jacksonville dominated possession for most of the first half but was unable to score. Troy flipped the script early in the second half.  

“We put our foot on the gas a little bit [in the second half,]” Gore said. “After the first goal went in, [momentum] went our way.” 

After a Jacksonville own goal early in the second half, Daniels scored for the fifth straight match in the 52nd minute. She pressured a Dolphins defender, snatching the ball away and depositing it in the back of the net. 

“I definitely feel good. It's just my role for the team, so I definitely have to show up in that way.” Daniels said. “Once you get a couple, they keep coming, so hopefully that continues for the rest of the season.” 

Jacksonville scored in the 80th minute and put the pressure on the rest of the way, but the Trojans held strong to get the win. 

Daniels leads the Sun Belt Conference with seven goals in six games. She’s the first Trojan since 2008 to string together a five-match scoring streak.  

The senior has led the charge in an amazing start at 4-2 on this young season. Daniels isn’t the only contributor, as junior goalkeeper Richards improved to 4-1-0 on the season. She recorded three saves and only allowed one goal in the match.  

Troy lost its previous road match against North Alabama 2-1. Daniels put Troy on the board in the 32nd minute with a spectacular goal over the goalkeeper’s hands. 

The Trojans – who were without Richards -- ultimately lost in the 81st minute when the Lions scored off an Olivia Heinert goal. 

“I thought we worked really hard tonight.” said Gore to Troy Athletics. “It's difficult going into the game without our first or second goalkeeper.  

“We started slow, but got going, and then got our goal. We just fell asleep for two moments and it cost us.” 

The Trojans have protected the Troy Soccer Complex and remain undefeated at home. Their next test will come against Mississippi Valley State on Sunday, Sep. 7 at 1 p.m.  

Trey Wiley, Contributor

Caleb Thomas, Sports Editor