Alabama Soccer on the Road Again This Weekend
9/17/2003 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
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Just as the University of Alabama women's soccer team was getting comfortable at home, it's time for them to hit the road and head west again as they travel to Texas to take on the Rice Owls and the Sam Houston State Bearkats this weekend.
"I'm excited for this trip," said Alabama Head Coach Don Staley. "I believe this 10-hour bus ride will give us time to bond, do some soul searching and reflect on our past performances and to think about the battles that lie ahead."
The Tide and the Owls will meet for the second time in as many years as Alabama defeated Rice 2-0 last season in Tuscaloosa. The Crimson Tide and the Bearkats have never met in soccer.
Alabama is coming into the Lonestar series on the heels of a three-game winning streak including last weekend's two victories at home even though the Tide's performances were less than dominant in both matches. However, Staley feels the games are behind them and the team will be ready for this weekend.
"We're coming off three of our best practices of the season," said Staley. "I think we'll be getting the kind of effort that's expected from an Alabama women's soccer team. I'm very anxious to see us compete this weekend."
The Crimson Tide is led offensively by senior Dawn Nash who leads the team with 13 points (6g, 1a) and sophomore Libby Probst with nine points (4g, 1a). Defensively, Laura Lowman has been the regular starter in goal, registering a 1.75 GAA and one shutout. However, freshman goalie Carly Carson has yet to allow a goal in 180 minutes of action while picking up her first collegiate shutout against Arkansas State.
Not only will the Tide be looking to extend its winning streak by two games this weekend, but also at stake is Staley's 100th victory at Alabama. The team is in a position to deliver his 100th if they can take care of business in both matches.
"I'm very cognizant of the 100th victory," said Staley. "When I entered this season I had three personal goals that I wanted to achieve. I wanted to reach my 200th win in women's soccer, which I have accomplished. I wanted to get my 100th at Alabama and my 300th win in soccer. If and when I get to 100, I'll immediately think of all the kids that helped get me there. I think 100 victories shows how dedicated I've been to putting the best possible product on the field while maintaining a clean program at the same time."
The Tide and the Owls are scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff on Friday while the Alabama-Sam Houston State match is scheduled for Saturday at 7:00 p.m. in Huntsville, Texas.
