The LSU soccer team hit the road on Thursday and headed for Alabama, where they will face off against Southeastern Conference Western Division rivals Alabama tonight and No. 14 Auburn on Sunday.
“It’s a big rivalry between us,” said senior midfielder Jen deHay. “Alabama and Auburn are pretty much our biggest rivals in the SEC. We take a lot of pride in these two games.”
LSU coach George Fotopoulos said this weekend’s games are important for several reasons.
“This is a big weekend for us because we are playing two teams in our division and we are fighting to try to get to the SEC Tournament and we are going on the road, so we know it will be tough,” Fotopoulos said.
LSU (9-5-1, 2-4-0 SEC) and Alabama (7-7-2, 0-4-2) find themselves in a must-win situation this weekend. The Tigers must win two of their remaining three conference games to land a spot in the SEC tournament. Alabama is out of tournament contention with a loss. The Arkansas Razorbacks (6-7-2, 2-4-0) also face off against Auburn and Bama this weekend with their backs against the wall.
“This is a pivotal weekend for all three of us to see who’s going to have the edge for the SEC tournament heading into the final weekend of conference play,” said Alabama coach Don Staley.
Sophomore midfielder Kate Ripple said she realizes the urgency in this weekend’s games, but she feels confident with LSU’s chances.
“Basically we need to win this weekend,” Ripple said. “I know we can beat these teams and they are not as difficult as the teams we’ve already played. I’m ready and I know we can win.”
The Tide leads the series with LSU 6-1-1, but have struggled this season as they have not won an SEC game and only have scored three goals in six conference games. In its last outing, Alabama tied Mississippi State 1-1, a team LSU defeated 2-1.
Junior forward Artie Brown said despite Alabama’s record, she believes the matchup and setting will be a significant challenge for the Tigers.
“Alabama has always been a more physical team and it’s always difficult to go there,” Brown said. “They have really intense fans who make the atmosphere really undesirable for us.”
Junior goalkeeper Robyn DesOrmeaux said the defense is expecting a tough game.
“From past experiences with Alabama, they are a very aggressive team,” DesOrmeaux said. “We are expecting a tough SEC West matchup. I don’t see it as an easy game for the defense.”
The Tide’s physical play and ability to capitalize on chances are the two characteristics of their team that present a challenge according to Ripple.
“Alabama is going to be a physical team,” she said. “They play off of other people’s mistakes.”
Auburn (10-2-3, 3-1-2) comes into the game seeking revenge against the Bayou Bengals. Last season, eighth-seeded LSU made history by defeating first-seeded Tigers and sent Auburn packing early from the SEC tournament.
“We beat them in the SEC tournament and embarrassed them,” deHay said. “They want their revenge.”
Ripple said Auburn feels they have something to prove against LSU.
“Auburn will want to prove to others and themselves that they can beat us,” Ripple said.
Last week’s SEC Offensive Player of the Week Sarah Steinmann will be a factor in the game. She has scored 10 goals this season, including two game-winning goals against Mississippi State and Ole Miss.
“I saw her twice last year and she really is a force to be reckoned with,” DesOrmeaux said.
Brown is LSU’s leading goal scorer with 11, and she said she hopes to get on top of both teams early and make things easier for the Tigers’ defense.
“It’s very important for us to score because we want to take the pressure off our defense,” Brown said.
deHay said LSU will be looking for a strong performance from its offensive producers.
“We’re going to need big plays from Stacy Bishop, Michelle DeCespedes, Stephanie Keating and Artie Brown,” deHay said.
Senior defender Kasey Dexter said LSU needs to come out with the right mindset to win.
“We just need to come out focused and ready to play,” she said. “We have to play strong and together.”