RUSTON, La. – The ULM soccer team (2-1-1) travels locally in Northeast Louisiana this week, facing Grambling State (0-1-1) at the Ruston Sports Complex on Thursday (Aug. 27). Kickoff against the Tigers is slated for 5:30 p.m. ULM looks to expand on a 5-1 victory against Jackson State, on the hunt for its first road win.

FOLLOW THE WARHAWKS –

Thursday's match will not be available for streaming on ESPN+, but 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. 

SCOUTING THE TIGERS – 

Grambling State currently posts an 0-1-1 record, most recently recording a 2-2 tie against Nicholls. Kaylen Jankans was named SWAC Defensive Player of the Week after the contest, defending the pitch for 90 minutes, while Jaleah Gonzalez earned SWAC Newcomer of the Week recognition with the equalizer in the 76th minute. Jankans was also named the SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, returning for her fourth season with the Tigers. Grambling remains on the hunt for a win under first-year head coach Chris Logan.

SERIES VS. GRAMBLING STATE – 

This is the 16th meeting between Grambling and ULM, the series dating back to 2004. The Warhawks hold the 12-3 edge, but the Tigers are close behind when playing at Grambling with a 4-3 record. This will be the first time the teams have played on neutral ground. ULM currently holds a three-game win streak over the Tigers, dating back to 2022. The Warhawks have also been credited with 10 shutout wins when playing Grambling.

LAST TIME OUT –

The Warhawks picked up another win at home to bring on a winning record this season, extending their home unbeaten streak to 12 matches. ULM scored five goals to Jackson State's one, as goalkeeper Jen Handy saw another full match in goal.

Even with the Warhawks leading in shots, it was the Tigers who struck first. Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper found the back of the net in the 27th minute for the early lead. Multiple shots continued to fire for the Warhawks, but the team could not find the tying score before the half, Jackson State ahead 1-0.

After a corner kick was called in the 48th minute, Beth Strutton knocked back the ball with her head, logging the tie ball and assisted by Ines de Lope Casanova. Angela Moreno then broke free to pass the ball to Jade Bowé in the 65th minute to gave ULM the lead. Just over a minute later, Charli Harris drove the ball downfield to get it to Bowé yet again, as she scored her second career goal to claim the brace as the Warhawks led, 3-1.

After Jackson State's second yellow card of the half, Amy Sharkey recorded a goal, assisted by Maria Thania Gealon. In the 83rd minute, a penalty kick was issued for ULM, as Sharkey took the opportunity for her third career goal and first brace. The final minutes expired as two second-years recorded braces to drive ULM to the 5-1 win.

BRACE FOR IMPACT –

Three ULM players have logged braces just in the month of August, each of them being the first career braces for the players. Against Alcorn, first-year Charli Harris claimed the first brace of the season. Just a week later vs. Jackson State, two second-years in Jade Bowé and Amy Sharkey logged their first career braces. Three braces have been recorded by the Warhawks in each of the last four seasons, crossing four in 2021. 

FIRST-YEAR FIRE –

Victoria Vinals opened the season with a goal in the 80th minute at Little Rock. Vinals is the first first-year player to open the season's scoring since 2018. Charli Harris then followed with a brace against Alcorn, making her the first first-year since 2022 to record a multi-goal game, the lone first-year in the Sun Belt Conference with multiple goals in the opening week of competition. Harris followed the week with her first career assist against Jackson State.

#1 IN GOAL –

Jen Handy returns for a third season in goal for the Warhawks after earning the starting role in her first. Named to the All-Sun Belt Second Team in 2025, Handy currently holds multiple ULM records, including shutouts in a season (7, 2024). In her career, her 1.29 goals-against average ranks second all-time, as well as her wins (21) and shutouts (12). Five more shutouts in her career would hand her the single-season and all-time record.

LOOKING AHEAD –

The Warhawks will stay on the road over the weekend as the team faces an SEC opponent in Ole Miss. Kickoff on Sunday (Aug. 30) is scheduled for 1 p.m. against the Rebels.