Alabama
Troy
Alabama Soccer Defeats Troy in 2015 Home Opener, 1-0
8/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama soccer team defeated the Troy Trojans by a final score of 1-0 in the team's 2015 home opener on Sunday night at the Alabama Soccer Complex. Sophomore Alexis Mouton scored the game's only goal in the 77th minute, sending the Tide to its first win of the 2015 season. Senior goalkeeper Emily Rusk saved two of Troy's eight shots to register her first shutout of the campaign. Tonight's victory marked the first career win for first-year head coach Wes Hart.
"I'm very proud of our team tonight," said Hart. "I was pleased with the way we played. In the first half we kept possession well, but unfortunately we were not able to score. After halftime, we attacked with purpose and were eventually rewarded for it."
Named as the fourth head coach in the history of the Alabama women's soccer program on April 9, Hart was thrilled with the support from the Crimson Tide fans in his first home game.
"The crowd tonight was absolutely incredible," Hart said. "They definitely played a role in the win. We fed off of their energy and I am so grateful for their support. I hope we entertained them enough to get them back out on Friday for our game vs. Wake Forest."
Despite outshooting Troy 10-3 in the first half, Alabama was unable to get on the board as the two teams carried a scoreless tie into the break. Alabama newcomers Celia Jimenez (3) and Chatham DeProspo (2) each recorded multiple shots in the opening half, while Jimenez, Christina Martensson and Hailey Brohaugh each collected a shot on goal.
The game would remain scoreless until sophomore Alexis Mouton - with just 13 minutes remaining in the contest - brought the ball to the box and drove her second career goal into the left corner of the net, lifting the Tide to its first victory this season.
"What a great goal for Alexis," added Hart. "She showed great composure bringing the ball down in the box and picking a corner. She didn't get an opportunity to play on Friday vs. Memphis, but she took full advantage of her opportunities tonight."
Following tonight's match, Alabama will play host to Wake Forest on Friday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. CT before traveling to Cookeville, Tenn. for a one-game stop against Tennessee Tech on Sunday, Aug. 30 also at 7 p.m. CT. Friday's match vs. Wake Forest will be available on SECN+.
Get all the latest information on the team by following AlabamaSoccer on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and Alabama Athletics on Facebook.
