After being shutout by Southern Methodist University to open the year, the LSU offense came to life Tuesday, defeating the University of Louisiana at Lafayette 2-0 in Baton Rouge. LSU soccer coach Brian Lee said the offensive effort was good, but not perfect. “We’d like to see our guys hit the target more,” said Lee. “We got 20-some shots on goal against ULL and only 10 forced a save or went in. We want those percentages to be higher.” The Tigers attempted 27 shots in the game against the Ragin’ Cajuns. Sophomore midfielder Melissa Clarke registered her first assist of the year, connecting with senior forward Joleen Phillips for a goal. LSU also connected on a set play, as freshman Michelle Makasini curled a free kick into the net. Lee said LSU showed improvement in ball movement and defense. Defensively, the Tigers held UL to 10 shots. Sophomore goalkeeper Jackie Moseley needed only two saves to secure her first shutout of 2006. Lee said midfield defending is an area the team needs to improve. The Tigers’ first chance to do so will be Friday at 7 p.m. against the Sam Houston State Bearkats. The Bearkats are familiar with Southeastern Conference competition. SHSU defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs, 1-0, in double overtime to open it’s season. “They certainly have our full attention after they beat Mississippi State,” Lee said. Lee said the Bearkats are dangerous because they hang around, play hard and finish games well. Statistically, the Tigers and Bearkats are evenly matched. LSU averages four shots more per contest, but SHSU’s shot percentage is nearly double LSU’s. The result is a 6 percent edge in shots on goal percentage for the Bearkats. Forward Raquel Bueno leads the Bearkats offensive effort into Baton Rouge. The sophomore has one goal and two assists on the year. Junior forward Yoanna Garcia has scored a goal and assisted another. Sophomore midfielder Monica Madden is a scoring threat as well, with one goal after two games. After taking on the school named after Sam Houston, LSU will play a school from the city named after him. The Houston Cougars will come to Baton Rouge Sunday at 1 p.m., hoping to continue their winning ways. The Cougars defeated ULL, 3-2, to open the year, then shutout Baylor, 2-0. Houston connected on more than 50 percent of its shots on goal. Freshman midfielder and forward Jordon Godbolt, sister of LSU sophomore Veronica Godbolt, has scored two goals for the Cougars, shooting 33 percent for the young season. Lee said he sees a lot of similarities in the sisters. “They’re both real athletic center midfielders who are good ball winners,” said Lee. “[They are] good headers of the ball and dangerous on set pieces.” Sophomore midfielder Courtney Gaines has been the team sharp-shooter, hitting both of her penalty kicks this season. The Cougars have found success defensively with sophomore goalkeeper Shelby Scott in the net. Scott has not allowed a goal this year, tallying seven saves and a shutout. Lee said at this point in the season, the Tigers are worrying about self-improvement more than the competition. “It’s a big weekend for us in stepping forward as a team,” Lee said. Lee said he was impressed with the turnout for the UL game. “Hopefully a lot of students will turn out Friday, and we’ll continue to enjoy our homefield advantage,” Lee said.
—–Contact David Hebert at [email protected]