Troy soccer falls on the road during first conference game

The Troy soccer team fell to in-state rival South Alabama, 2-0, in the first conference game of the season on Thursday at Mobile. The Jags would score in the 15th and 80th minutes, with their goalkeeper Sierra Giorgio making many crucial saves against Troy to secure the win.

The Trojans, on the other hand, would maintain 44% of possession throughout the entire match, including five shots on goal. Troy would also have more chances at goal than South but unfortunately couldn’t make it count.

"I thought we put in a good performance tonight,” said head coach Jake Wyman. “We gave ourselves a chance to win the game and missed a few clear chances.

“That was the difference in the game, I thought. They took their chances and we didn't." 

South started the match with intensity, securing three corners within the first eight minutes of the match. Troy retaliated minutes later with its biggest chance in the match.

Hannah Kent set up a great chance for Alaina Uncapher, putting her in a one-vs-one scenario against Giorgio. The first shot from Uncapher would be saved by the Jaguar goalkeeper, but the ball would bounce back at the feet of Uncapher. She would shoot again, but the ball would take a bounce and narrowly miss the netting.

South would find its first goal in the 15th minute, with Ava Arroyo sending a ball across to Ava Matherne. Matherne would tap the ball in just past Taylor Richards inside the left post.

Troy would get another chance at goal in the 30th minute after a header from Imani Hamilton was kept out by Giorgio. The Jags goalkeeper was able to get a finger to it, pushing the ball to bounce off the top post and out.

Troy would not get another chance in the first half but still were able to hold a 3-2 advantage in shots on goal against South going into the half.

Troy would kickstart the second half with Brooke Slater in the 52nd minute. Troy would get a free kick to send the ball into the box, but Giorgio would meet the ball before any Trojans could get their foot to it.

The Trojans continued their offensive pressure, with Mallorie Springs getting a chance at goal in the 65th minute. However, that pressure would come crashing down as South would counter and score in the 80th minute.

The last 10 minutes would keep the scoreline the same, and Troy would lose 2-0 to South. Troy’s next opponent will be Marshall back at home on Sept. 24 at the Troy Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.