After an opening stretch of uncertainty at the position, the LSU soccer team seems to have settled on a goalkeeper in senior Mo Isom.
Isom has started the last four games for LSU, allowing just three goals in that span — with two double-overtime sessions included — and leading the Tigers to a 2-1-1 mark.
Throughout the summer and early season, Isom and sophomore Megan Kinneman were locked in an intense competition for the starting spot.
Isom has been the marquee name and face around the program since her heralded arrival in 2008, but she struggled with a foot injury last year. Kinneman stepped in and had a breakout freshman campaign in which she allowed only 10 goals in 14 starts and was named to the Southeastern Conference’s All-Freshman Team.
But Kinneman struggled on the pitch in her two starts this season. She surrendered four goals, while Isom has returned to the form that garnered accolades during her first two seasons.
The senior keeper said she has tried to change her playing style this season because she felt the injury caused her to play more timidly last fall.
“I’ve just emphasized playing more aggressive, coming off my lines strong, playing big on crosses and being fearless back there,” said the Marietta, Ga., native.
Isom was named a team captain by her teammates before the season despite her playing time still being in serious jeopardy.
“It’s a team vote that has to do with who we are off the field, as well as on the field,” she said. “It was an honor to be battling Megan and still get named a captain. It was humbling and gave me something extra to fight for because I wanted to lead them on the field, as that.”
Isom gave much of the credit for the Tigers’ stifling defense in recent matches to the team’s back line.
“It’s a young group, but they work so well together,” she said. “They just click with each other and communicate where the ball is with me out possible.”
 
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Contact Chris Abshire at [email protected]