MONROE, La. – The ULM soccer team (7-4-2, 1-1-2) remains at home for its final match in a three-game homestand vs. Arkansas State (3-3-3, 0-2-1). The Warhawks are looking to capture a win over the Red Wolves, as they most recently posted back-to-back draws at home, vs. Ragin' Cajuns and James Madison.
SERIES HISTORY –
This is the 22nd meeting between the Warhawks and the Red Wolves. The first meeting came prior to ULM's membership in the Sun Belt, on Sept. 19, 2003, falling to Arkansas State, 1-2, in Monroe. In 2006, both teams met as conference opponents for the first time, the Red Wolves dominating in a 4-0 win in Jonesboro. Most recently, ULM held Arkansas State to a draw in Jonesboro last season, 2-2.
SCOUTING THE RED WOLVES –
Arkansas State is looking to bring a win back to Jonesboro, as they have not captured a win since a 2-1 victory at Western Kentucky on Sept. 8. The Red Wolves have yet to claim a win in conference play, falling to South Alabama and Georgia Southern and pulling a draw with Texas State last week. To open the season, Arkansas State strung together five clean sheets, their save percentage leading the Sun Belt at .863.
LAST TIME OUT –
MONROE, La. – The ULM soccer team took a draw against James Madison, giving the Dukes their first non-win in conference play.
The match started strong offensively, with the Dukes striking first in the fifth minute of the match. The lead didn't last for long, however, as Skylar Blaise knocked the goal in the back of the net, Bernadett Stefan credited with the assist.
Blaise was not finished, knocking her second goal of the match in the 32nd minute. The Warhawks tried to hold onto the lead, but James Madison scored the equalizer just two minutes later, making the score 2-2 at the half.
In the second half, both teams pulled out all the stops defensively, goalkeeper Jennifer Handy tallying two saves. The final 45 minutes fell just short for both teams, ending the match in a draw.
ULM and James Madison tied in shots with 10 each and Blaise led ULM in shots with five, two being on goal.
TIED UP WITH A BOW –
Last week, the Warhawks posted back-to-back draws, their first two of the season. This has been a stark difference from the 2023 season, where the team posted eight draws, the first coming at Tarleton State on Aug. 17. ULM soccer finished conference play with five ties in 2023, ending their season with three consecutive draws.
BRACE YOURSELF –
Skylar Blaise claimed the second brace of her career on Friday against James Madison, her first coming against Texas State last season. Three other Warhawks have claimed a brace this season: Mara Grutkamp and Sara Navarro both tallied two goals against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Aug. 15 and Emelie Kobler scored two goals against Nicholls on Aug. 25. Blaise joins an elite group with multiple multi-goal games in their career, two being on the current roster: Grutkamp and Eleonora Franco.
GRUTKAMP MAKING THE MOST OF SENIOR SEASON –
Senior Mara Grutkamp begins 2024 on the record books in eight different categories and is continuing to rise in the ranks. In career records, Grutkamp is moving up the leaderboard in points, her 53 points placing her third. She is fourth in shots (181), shots on goal (86) and game-winning goals (5) and seventh in goals (16). She currently holds the second position in assists (21), just three behind Karlea Fehr (24, 2012-15).
Grutkamp also ranks high in shot accuracy, shots on goal and shots on goal per game. Her .742 shot accuracy leads the nation, with 23 shots on goal ranking 34th and 1.77 per game placing her 46th.
FOLLOW THE WARHAWKS –
Thursday's match will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be available. Links to live stats and video streams for all matches, when available, can be found at ULMWarhawks.com.
LOOKING AHEAD –
Next up, ULM soccer will hit the road and head for Texas, taking on the Texas State Bobcats on Sunday. Kickoff in San Marcos is scheduled for 1 p.m.
