Sunday night’s game was a close one that was ultimately decided by the defense. The only goal came early in the game for South Alabama and was followed by great defense on both sides until the final whistle. This is Ole Miss’ 3rd scoreless game of the season with the other two coming at the hands of Michigan and Missouri but this game definitely showed an improvement after a disappointing 5-0 lost to Missouri earlier this weekend.
The Rebels (4-3) and The Jaguars ( 4-2-1) played a tight game. The Jaguars scored in the 9th minute with a shot from the far post from Ashlynn Jones coming off the assist from Alexis Jones. This goal pushed The Jaguars to a 1-0 lead early in the game. After that score, the rest of the game was fueled by a few good shots on the goal and tight defense. Both goalkeepers had terrific games. South Alabama’s Justice Stanford had zero goals allowed and five saves, while Ole Miss’ Marnie Merritt had one goal allowed and four saves.
“I think we’ve stalled in our attacks. We’re creating chances, were just not finishing. We’re just kinda snake bite.” head coach Matthew Mott Said. “CeCe is getting good looks and not finishing. Addie is getting good looks and not finishing. Gretchen is getting good looks and not finishing. We’re creating balls and just not able to put it in the back of the net, it’s been three or four games that we haven’t scored and it makes it hard. We’re talented enough to score goals and for whatever reason it’s just not happening.”
South Alabama took 9 shots and Ole Miss took 13 shots with some of the best ones coming from CeCe Kizer at the 60th and the 82nd minute and from senior forward Addie Forbus at the 72nd minute but despite good attempts Ole Miss couldn’t their way on the scoreboard. Coach Mott doesn’t see this as a reason to be concerned due to the fact that they did get many great shots on the goal and say they just have to find the back of the net.
“Take away friday night, we’ve been very close every game. Every game has been a 1 goal game. I’m very happy with the way we’ve been defending we just need to score some goals.” Mott said.
The Rebels’ next game is at LSU and the team feels good about their chances to leave Baton Rouge with a victory.
”were very confident in our forwards. We know it’s coming. We know there gonna get it so we’re just gonna keep playing our game because we know there gonna get those goals.” senior Sara Coleman said “ I know that our forwards are working hard and it’s going to come. The defense is gonna do what they need to do, the midfielders are gonna do what they need to do, and were confident in our goalie”
