The LSU soccer team that won one conference game last season heads into the Southeastern Conference undefeated to play Friday.
LSU (4-0-2, 0-0 SEC) started its preseason with a victory against the University of Oregon on Aug. 21, in Eugene. Since then, the Tigers haven’t looked back, capturing three more victories all of which came at home. LSU is making a concentrated effort to protect its home turf this year. Last year the Tigers finished 5-13-2 with three of their wins at home — the same amount they have won through five home games this year.
LSU didn’t have the same preseason success last year, as they finished the preseason 4-3-1. The Tigers’ performance in last year’s preseason carried over to SEC play as they finished at the bottom of the SEC with a 1-9-1 record.
LSU is relying on the its forwards’ improved play with sophomore Jorian Baucom and junior Summer Clarke. The two didn’t have much time to create on-field chemistry last year because Baucom was a freshman, arriving on campus a few days before the Tigers kicked off their preseason.
The dynamic duo had an entire offseason to work on their rapport on the pitch. Baucom said her play alongside Clarke will be important heading into conference play.
“Me and her have to be very compatible up top and play off of each other,” Baucom said. “Our chemistry needs to stay at peak level.”
Their work in the offseason has started to pay dividends. Baucom and Clarke boast a combined nine of the team’s 13 preseason goals. Their best game came in the last game of the preseason against Indiana University. They combined for two goals each in the Tigers’ 4-0 win over the Hoosiers.
LSU’s defense also has shown great strides in preseason, senior defender Alex Arlitt said. The Tigers conceded four goals in their six games this preseason. Last year LSU gave up nine goals before starting SEC play. The rejuvenated LSU defense’s success is the result of the improved play of its backline led by Arlitt, LSU coach Brian Lee said.
“I think our back four has grown a lot with our chemistry this season,” Arlitt said. “I definitely had to step up. I didn’t used to be a very vocal player. I think that another big reason why we’ve had success so early in the season is because other people on the team are being encouraged to step up and have that same level of communication.”
Three of LSU’s wins this preseason came against a Pac 12 school and Big 10 schools, tests Lee said will help the team in the long run. LSU defeated the Indiana Hoosiers, who took down the University of Missouri, one of LSU’s scheduled SEC opponents. Lee said the team’s rigorous schedule this preseason prepared them for the physical style of play in the SEC.
“That’s why you play Oregon, Indiana and Minnesota,” Lee said. “We want to see big conference teams that are athletic and train year-round. We feel like we’re prepped and ready for SEC games.”