The LSU soccer team’s 2-0 win against Lamar gives the Tigers their best start since a 7-0 run in 2008.
The Tigers extend its season record to 3-0 with the win over Lamar.
Despite having the game moved from Sunday to Friday because of the impending weather, the Tigers came out pumped and ready to play.
“At first we were kind of like ‘Woah, the game is moved two day early’” junior forward Alex Thomas said. “But we’re always excited for game day. Everybody was pumped up and we were like ‘We’ve got to get it together.’ You know, get your mind set, that it’s about to be game day. I think we did a good job dealing with it and we were ready to go.”
The Tigers came out with 10 shots in just the first half and committed 15 fouls.
Thomas scored the first goal of the night and her second goal of the season in the eighth minute from 10 yards out. She also assisted on freshman Dana Reed’s goals in the 37th minute.
“It’s kind of like split of the moment,” Thomas said. “I just kind of look up, saw the goal and put my head down and went for it. Sometimes you just have to trust yourself and your instincts.”
Thomas performed just as well in the second half after shifting into a defensive position at right back.
“Alex is a very good player, whether she’s playing up front or in the back,” LSU coach Brian Lee said. “After having a goal and an assist, she shifted into right back. We’re a little short on numbers back there and she did a nice job of sealing the team off. That’s the kind of team first attitude we love to see in our kids.”
Lamar came out just as ready and aggressive as the Tigers did, with a total of seven shots and eight fouls committed.
“I think this was really good for us, especially the freshman who haven’t played at the college level and haven’t seen how aggressive it is, especially in the SEC,” Thomas said. “I think this is a great learning experience, especially for them. We have to adapt to the game and I think we did a really good job of being physical. You alway have to switch up what we do and how we play.”
Even with a two goal lead, that did not stop the Tiger offense from trying to score as much as possible. Lamar’s goalkeeper Lauren Lovejoy made seven saves throughout the game.
“Their goalkeeper made two or three great saves, two or three highlight reel saves,” Lee said. “That’s good for her. Then we’re just a little unlucky to hit her from close range a couple right at her. The big thing is that we’re in front of the goal, getting decent chances off. You know, sometimes your score two and sometimes you score five.”
The Tigers will travel to Washington D.C. to take on George Washington University on Thursday.
