Soccer improves to 2-1 with win over Rice

Courtesy+of+Alabama+Athletics

Courtesy of Alabama Athletics

Joey Blackwell, Staff Reporter

Alabama soccer won its second consecutive game Thursday night as the Crimson Tide toppled the Rice Owls 2-1.

“It wasn’t our prettiest soccer this season, but we grinded out a good win versus a good opponent,” Alabama head coach Wes Hart said. “I certainly have to give Rice credit for not making it easy on us. We will enjoy this win tonight and start preparing for Lamar tomorrow.”

Alabama came out of the gate with an attacking mindset. The Crimson Tide registered six shots in the first 16 minutes, with the sixth resulting in a goal by freshman Macy Clem. The goal is her second in as many games, and was a header that came off of a corner kick by fellow freshman Serena Pham. Clem also became the only player on the team with multiple goals.

Alabama went into the locker room at halftime leading Rice 1-0.

After the break, the Owls tied up the contest with a successful penalty kick, tying the game at 1-1.

However, the Crimson Tide would not be denied. In the 68th minute, sophomore Riley Mattingly scored the final goal of the game, with Pham and sophomore Kat Rogers getting the assist.

Rice was unable to retaliate, and Alabama went on to prevail 2-1.

In total, the Crimson Tide had nine shots, with four being on goal. Alabama had six corners compared to the Owls’ two.

One thing to note is the lack of yellow cards and lower number of fouls. The Crimson Tide only acquired 10 fouls Thursday, maintaining its trend of lowering the foul numbers in each of its first three games of the season.

With the win, the Crimson Tide moves to 2-1. The Owls’ loss marks their first of the season, giving them a 2-1 record as well.

Alabama will finish its two-game Texas trip Sunday in Beaumont as the Crimson Tide takes on Lamar. The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.