MONROE, La. – The ULM soccer team will close out its 2018 season this weekend, when they play host to Appalachian State and Troy. The Warhawks will face the Mountaineers on Friday (Oct. 19) for Alumni Day as a part of ULM's Homecoming festivities. ULM's five seniors will be honored at Sunday's match (Oct. 21) against Troy for Senior Day.
The Warhawks (0-15, 0-8) were eliminated from a shot at the conference tournament after their loss to South Alabama last weekend (Oct.12). ULM will miss out on the tournament for the second year in-a-row.
ULM's defense had improved since the beginning of the season, when the Warhawks were outscored 15-1 in the first four games. In ULM's most recent four games, they cut the number of goals allowed in nearly half, being outscored only 8-1 in 360 minutes of play.
Appalachian State (7-7-1, 4-3) is traveling to Monroe after dropping back-to-back league games to Georgia State and South Alabama. Mountaineers Kat Greer and Blair Anderes are at the top of the scoring sheet for App State, with three goals each. In total, the Mountaineers have had 12 different players net goals this season, making them one of the most diverse offensive teams in the Sun Belt.
The Warhawks shots on goal percentage of .468 puts them just narrowly ahead of the Mountaineers. ULM's has recorded only 109 shots this season, averaging 7.3 shots per game, but Appalachian State averages less than four more, making Friday's match a probable defensive showdown.
Although ULM has never beaten App State, last season they came awfully close, ending in a 1-1 draw. After falling behind early in the match, former Warhawk
Mia Walters netted the tying goal at the 63 minute mark with the assist from senior Shekinah Wells.
Sunday's game against Troy will begin with the recognition of Warhawk seniors
Brooke-Lynn Scroggins,
Cke'Lana Caesar,
Alexandria Skidmore, Shekinah Wells, and
Sheena Martin.
Troy will also be riding a two-game losing streak into Monroe, falling to Arkansas State and being shutout 3-0 by Texas State. Troy stands at 3-12-1 overall and 2-5 in conference play, the Trojans will be playing with tournament hopes, looking to finish the season strong to secure their spot in Foley.
Like the Mountaineers, the Trojans have had a low shot output, managing 70 shots on goal in 145 attempts. In fact, ULM has made only two less saves (143) than Troy has shots on the season.
Troy only has three players with multi-goal stats, led by Natalie Melilo who has started in all 16 matches and recorded three goals and five assists. Teammate Kendra Cashion leads the Trojans in shots with 26 total attempts.
The Trojans go-to keeper is Acelya Aydogmus. Aydogmus' 11 starts have yielded 54 saves behind a .675 save percentage.
ULM's loss to Troy in 2017 came after two first-half goals. The Warhawks were unable to recover in the second half and dropped the match, 2-0.
Friday's game against Appalachian State will begin at 4:00, all ULM soccer alumni is welcome to join us and will be recognized during the pregame lineups. Sunday's Senior Day match is scheduled for a 1:00 p.m. kick-off.
