Alabama
5-3-0 (1-0-0SEC)
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Mississippi State
8-2-0 (0-2-0SEC)
Soccer Opens SEC Slate with 1-0 Win
9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Sept. 29, 2009
STARKVILLE, Miss. - The Alabama soccer team opened its Southeastern Conference schedule with a 1-0 victory over Mississippi State Tuesday night at the MSU Soccer Stadium. With the win the Crimson Tide improves to 5-3 and has now posted back-to-back shutouts.
"I was happy with the way the players approached the game," Alabama head coach Todd Bramble said. "They were pretty professional with everything that went on. To get the goal in the first half and then post the shutout and get the three points on the road, I am really proud of the team."
After most of the first half being played back and forth and both teams getting a feel for the soggy field Alabama was able to strike first. With just under 30 seconds remaining in the half junior Kelly King tallied her first goal of the season.
Freshman Amanda Ortegon drilled a shot that was blocked deep in the Mississippi State defensive third and the rebound found the right foot of King who promptly buried the chance far post to give the Crimson Tide the win.
MSU out-shot UA 21-10, including a 9-5 advantage with shots on goal. Junior Brooke Rogers paced the Tide with three shots. Rachel Wannek led all players with four shots.
Alabama goalkeeper Justine Bernier tallied her second straight clean sheet on the strength of nine saves. The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Week battled the wet goalmouth and tough conditions to earn her third straight win.
The Crimson Tide will now return home for two matches. Alabama will host LSU on Friday, Oct. 2 and then close out the weekend with a Sunday matinee against Arkansas. The match against the Razorbacks will be aired on Fox Sports South.
Team Stats
Kelly King (1)
Assisted By: Amanda Ortegon
off deflection
44:35
