TUSCALOOSA – Sep 2, 2021, The Alabama Women’s Soccer team took on the Samford Bulldogs in a nonconference match up on Thursday. The Crimson Tide came into the game with a 3-1 record on the year following Sunday’s rain filled double overtime win over Southern Mississippi. Their only loss of the season came at the hands of the top ranked Florida State Seminoles.
The Bulldogs came into the game with a 1-2-1 record. Their two losses coming from Kennesaw State and Alabama’s in state rival Auburn. Despite the record difference, Samford came out in the first five minutes and dominated possession getting some great looks and a few good runs, but the Tide were able to hold them off. The Crimson Tide would battle back and take control of the game putting the pressure on the Bulldogs and playing some excellent aggressive soccer.
The first half ended in a draw with the teams notched at zero. As the second half began Alabama continued to take control and be the aggressor
“I thought Samford was excellent in the first five to ten minutes of the game. I thought they took it too us a little bit. As we settled into the game and into the second half. In the 55th minute Gessica Skorka drew a yellow card and Samford took on the attack. The Bulldogs attacked on a run that ultimately led to a goal by Alyssa Frazier to put the Bulldogs in the lead 1-0.
The Crimson Tide would continue the pressure and get several opportunities on goal with 18 total shots and 7 on target. The Tide also had 11 corner kicks and controlled possession 56% of the time.
“I thought once we settled in, especially in the second half, that was our best half of soccer. We created a lot of opportunities and Samford’s goalie made some great saves and cleared some off the line. Also, some questionable non calls, but that’s soccer. The ball didn’t bounce our way today” said Coach Wes Hart.
Hart continued with his admiration for the team’s effort and going into Memphis he is looking for a faster start and to capitalize on big opportunities.
The Tide will be traveling to Memphis on September 5th, to take on the Tigers at 6 PM CST.
