The No. 25 LSU soccer team has scored seven goals this season, and not one has been netted by a senior.
Though that statistic may be harrowing to some, it’s only a by-product of coach Brian Lee’s new system that will once again be put to the test when the Tigers (2-0) host TCU (1-1) in the LSU Soccer Stadium tonight at 7 p.m.
Following the influx of dynamic young talent in his latest recruiting class, Lee abandoned his conservative scheme in favor of an aggressive offensive style. While the Tigers sport a rather youthful front line and midfield, the defensive third is loaded with veterans playing important roles.
Lee raved about how his senior class has guided the freshmen on and off the field.
“First and foremost, [the seniors] are a great group of people,” Lee said. “They’re the kind of kids you’d like to be your daughters. Both on and off the field, they’re kids who handlelthemselves the right way and really represent LSU in a wonderful fashion. They’ve all been a big part of the program during their time with us.”
The bulk of LSU’s senior leadership is on the back line as Addie Eggleston and Nina Anderson will both record minutes as defenders alongside junior Alex Arlitt. The defensive third is further strengthened by senior goalkeeper Megan Kinneman, who has started 40 matches between the posts during her stint in Baton Rouge. 
But the Tigers feature a senior presence on every part of the pitch, with key reserve Danielle Murphy playing on the front line, while Alex Ramsey and Emily Cancienne are in midfield. Kinneman said the sprinkling of seniors across the field has aided the freshmen as they adjust to the college game.
“Coming into college alone is a big jump, but then coming to play in the Southeastern Conference is a big change,” Kinneman said. “When you’ve got someone next to you who’s played for two or three years, it helps just to get a little word in here or there.”
Kinneman said the familiarity between the veteran defenders and midfielders has created a comfort level on the back line that makes the new-look attacking style possible.
The Tigers displayed that high-powered offense on Tuesday night when they notched five first-half goals en route to a 6-0 demolition of UL-Monroe.  Though the Tigers have No. 6 BYU slated for a match on Monday, they are not looking past the Horned Frogs.
“As a team, I think we’re focusing on each game at a time,” said sophomore midfielder Fernanda Pina. “They’re all important to win, and the rest of the games will come eventually. We need to win now.”
Tonight’s match will be part of an unofficial series between both schools as TCU and LSU are set to duke it out on the gridiron in Dallas on Saturday night. But when the Horned Frogs and the Tigers settle things on the soccer pitch, Lee will be relying on his group of seniors to make the plays that won’t show up on the stat sheet.
Who: LSU (2-0) vs. TCU (1-1)
When: Friday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m.
Where: LSU Soccer Stadium
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