MONROE, La. – The Warhawks (7-2-2, 2-0-2 SBC) will return home to face the South Alabama Jaguars (7-3, 3-1 SBC) on Thursday (Oct. 2) at 7 p.m. The Warhawks will battle against the Jaguars for their second win in the series and potential control of the division. The match will be free for all patrons, as the team welcomes those involved with the Northeast Louisiana Soccer Association (NELSA). Furry friends are also welcomed for the team's annual Paws on the Pitch match.
SCOUTING THE JAGUARS –
South Alabama is currently 7-3 on the season, sitting at third in the Sun Belt West with a 3-1 conference record. The Jaguars claimed wins over Louisiana Tech, Middle Tennessee and Southeastern Louisiana in nonconference play. After capturing three Sun Belt wins, South Alabama fell at App State in a 0-1 contest. Andrea Iljkic leads the team with 12 points (5g, 2a), Sofia Ferrante leading with five assists. The Jaguars have outscored conference opponents 11-2, Aliya Gomes leading the Sun Belt with six points in conference competition.
UNBEATEN STREAK –
The Warhawks hold the Sun Belt's longest active undefeated streak with seven matches, dating back to the 2-1 win over Little Rock on August 27. They have outscored opponents 11-4 during the run, with seven of their 11 goals scored by a different player.
SUN BELT HONORS –
Defender Libby Holmes was voted Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Week on September 9, after a stellar week. The captain posted a goal against Southern, the second of the match to extend the lead. The last time a Warhawk soccer player clinched Defensive Player of the Week was 2021, with Hailey Hillock recognized.
Forward Skylar Blaise was voted Offensive Player of the Week on September 23. She led the Warhawk offense, posting two goals and an assist to accumulate five points across two matches. Blaise first logged an assist in the first goal against Marshall, scoring her own goal unassisted less than a minute later to tie things up. On Sunday against Arkansas State, Blaise scored the game winner with the lone goal of the match.
The last time ULM received more than one Player of the Week honor in a single season was 2022.
SERIES VS. SOUTH ALABAMA –
This is the 22nd meeting between the Warhawks and the Jaguars, with South Alabama claiming 19 of the 21 matches between the two teams. The first meeting was 1999, the first season for ULM Soccer. ULM tied with South Alabama in 2023, capturing the team's lone victory in 2021. The last two meetings at Brown Stadium have resulted in points for the Warhawks.
LAST TIME OUT –
CONWAY, S.C. – The ULM soccer team settled for a 0-0 draw against Coastal Carolina. While both teams put up plenty of shots and made attempts, neither team could break through for a score.
Early corner kicks for both teams set up shots for scores in the first 10 minutes, but neither team was able to capitalize on them. Goalkeeper Aris Lamanna for the Chanticleers played the full ninety minutes, posting three saves to prevent a Warhawk score. ULM goalkeeper Jen Handy posted a save to claim a clean sheet as well, the ULM defense preventing momentum for the home team.
A few more attempts came in for the Warhawks in the second half off set pieces, with multiple ULM shots blocked. Momentum began to pick up as the clock ran down, but both teams' defenses kept the score even at 0-0 through the full time.
Vienna Tokam led the Warhawks with two shots on the night, five other Warhawks picking up a shot. ULM and Coastal Carolina tied with seven shots apiece, with the Warhawks leading with six corner kicks.
FOLLOW THE WARHAWKS –
Thursday's match will be available for streaming on ESPN+. Live stats for the match will also be available. Links to live stats and video streams for all matches, when available, can be found at ULMWarhawks.com.
LOOKING AHEAD –
ULM will hit the road to face Southern Miss on Sunday (Oct. 5), with kickoff in Hattiesburg slated for 1 p.m.
