Alabama Soccer Opens Three-Game SEC Homestand This Weekend
10/23/2003 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
 |
|
The University of Alabama women's soccer team (7-7-2, 0-4-2) will look to build off its most recent SEC outing, as they host the LSU Tigers (9-5-1, 2-4-0) and the Arkansas Lady Razorbacks (6-7-2, 2-4-0) this weekend.
The Tide is coming off its second tie of the conference season, having played to a 1-1 tie at Mississippi State while LSU comes into the weekend off a split last weekend with Georgia (W, 4-1) and Tennessee (L, 3-0). Arkansas plays at Auburn Friday night but comes into the weekend on a three-game losing streak.
The weekend is the biggest in conference play this season with Alabama, LSU and Arkansas all vying for what will most likely be the last spot in this year's SEC Tournament.
Alabama will need to win its three remaining matches (vs. LSU, Arkansas and Auburn) and hope for a little help along the way with losses to Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. LSU and Arkansas also must win their three remaining matches of the season which will culminate on October 31, when they play each other in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
"This is a pivotal weekend for all three of us to see who's going to have the edge for the SEC Tournament heading into the final weekend of conference play," said Alabama Head Coach Don Staley. "Both LSU and Arkansas have had impressive results throughout the season against some high-level competition so we know we have our work cut out for us."
The Tide's biggest problem thus far in conference play is its lack of offensive production. Alabama has managed only three goals in six SEC matches, which ranks last in the conference.
"For us to win this weekend we'll be in need of better offensive production from our frontrunners, we'll need to take advantage of all miscues and scoring opportunities and we'll need a significant showing of loyal Alabama fans to help lead us to victory," said Staley.
Alabama does hold the series advantage against both schools, leading LSU 6-1-1 and Arkansas 6-3-1. They defeated the Tigers in Baton Rouge last season 2-1 before falling to Arkansas 2-0 in Fayetteville two days later.
The Tide and LSU will kickoff Friday night at 7:00 p.m. with free grilled chicken and crawfish being served prior to the start of the match. Sunday's match against Arkansas is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Both games can be heard live on 90.7 FM WVUA and live stats and a live broadcast are available on www.rolltide.com.
