In the heart of the Southeastern Conference soccer season, LSU has been a team of contrasts.
The Tigers have triumphed over tough, ranked teams, but stumbled against opponents with worse records and weaker performances.
The road ahead will be an uphill battle. While 10 out of 14 teams make the conference tournament, LSU must prove it can battle any opponent.
Here’s a look at how the team’s performance, changes and upcoming matchups.
Record Rundown
LSU is in the middle of SEC play, and after five games, it’s 2-3 in conference matchups.
Head coach Sian Hudson called the first loss to Ole Miss “disappointing,” because LSU created more scoring opportunities and played a better game than the Rebels. The only goal came from a penalty kick in which goalkeeper Mollee Swift guessed wrong as the ball went to the opposite side of the net.
The Tigers’ most notable SEC win came on the road against Georgia when they narrowly beat the Bulldogs 3-2 after trailing 2-0. LSU continued its momentum into the next game with a 2-1 win over Mississippi State.
LSU’s second SEC loss was to Florida in a match full of mistakes. The Tigers had intensity driving up the field but fell victim to the Gators’ ability to force turnovers high up the field. LSU was unable to score.
“We made some really key errors in critical moments, and you’re going to get punished for those errors at this level in the SEC by any team,” Hudson said.
On Thursday, LSU lost to South Carolina 1-0. The Gamecocks defense held the Tigers to only six shots with one on target from midfielder Ida Hermannsdottir.
Overall, the Tigers acquired six points toward the SEC standings, putting them fourth in the SEC West. LSU needs to capitalize on upcoming games to stay out of the bottom four teams and secure a spot in the tournament.
Formation analysis and positive changes
When playing physical and defensive-heavy teams, the Tigers use a 3-5-2 style.
This formation puts forwards Rammie Noel and Sage Glover at left and right wingback positions respectively. They’ve been able to obtain outside possessions and force their way toward the box with speed. Both players are top scorers for the Tigers as a result of their placement on the pitch.
Recently, forward Mollie Baker has shown dominance in this formation. She’s now placed in the center midfield and is a threat to any opponent. With Baker’s speed, placing her farther back allows the Tigers to move the ball up the field quicker.
“Mollie’s physical presence just adds a little bit more grit and determination in there for us,” Hudson said after the loss to Florida. “Her and Nevaeh Johnson side by side boss the midfield battle. Her in there (center midfield) helped us move the game forward and gain territory.”
Along with formation changes, using Swift on penalty kicks has helped LSU in crucial circumstances.
Using her knowledge as a goalkeeper, she scored the Tigers’ first goal against Georgia and the equalizer in the Mississippi State game.
Upcoming opponents
The next five SEC opponents will pose tests for the Tigers. On Sunday, they face Tennessee at home and aim to bounce back after falling to South Carolina.
LSU will take on No. 19 Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Oct. 13 and No. 6 Arkansas in Baton Rouge on Oct. 19.
Alabama has dominated early this season and didn’t have a loss before conference play. Its SEC record is 2-2-1. Besides losing to Arkansas 5-0, the Crimson Tide have held their other opponents to two or fewer goals.
Before the season started, Arkansas was voted by the league’s 14 head coaches to win the 2023 SEC women’s soccer title. They are 5-0 in SEC games. The Razorbacks’ only two losses were to No. 1 North Carolina and No. 9 Clemson. Luckily, LSU will get to play them at home.
The Tigers will round out SEC play against Auburn on Oct. 22 and Texas A&M in Baton Rouge on Oct. 26.
