TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The No. #12 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide Women’s soccer team (5-0-2) displayed their dominance against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles (2-4) en route to their first ever win in Hattiesburg, Miss.
With a spectacular defensive showing, Alabama proved why they are still a force to be reckoned with long after winning their first SEC Conference Title. Despite losing nearly half of their starters, Alabama’s defense has refused to take its foot off the pedal. Now with five shutouts on the season – including three straight – the Crimson Tide have only given up two goals on the season. This ranks them 14th nationally and second in the SEC against goals-against-average (.333). Even more impressive, the Golden Eagles were only allowed two shots the whole game making it the fourth time this season Alabama has held a team less to five attempts.
“I’ve been very pleased with our team defending this year. We’ve been stingy and have not given our opponents many good looks.” said Head Coach Wes Hart.
Offensively, the Tide had been struggling to find consistency which in result has led the team to end their last two games in a tie. However, that was not the case today. Alabama’s offense was off to a hot start as defender Marianna Annest scored early due to a foul outside the box.
Annest scored her first goal of the season as the defender played the ball through the crowd letting a goal into the left corner giving Alabama the lead. Eager to respond, The Golden Eagles came out aggressive hoping to regain momentum but– to no avail. In what seemed like a 15-minute stalemate, Alabama added another gut punch in the 24th minute by scoring their second goal on the day thanks to 2022 SEC All-Freshman Player of the Year, Gianna Paul. Paul continues to impress in her second year of her collegiate career leading The Crimson Tide with seven points and four goals on the year.
Alabama returns home with a record of (5-0-2) to host no. #3 ranked UNC on Sunday. Kickoff begins at 6 p.m. CT/ 7 p.m. EST on ESPNU.
Jaylon Brooks is a senior staff writer for WVUA-FM. He also co-hosts the Student Section: NFL on 90.7 FM from 8-9 p.m. CT on Fridays. You can follow Jaylon on Twitter @JaylonBrooksUA.
