Not only is the LSU soccer team trying to build off of its first conference win, but the squad is also hoping to draw a record crowd at the LSU soccer complex.
The LSU Marketing and Promotions Department is dubbing Friday’s 7 p.m. contest against Georgia (9-5, 2-2) as “Cram the Complex” in an attempt to break the school record for attendance which currently stands at 1,421 against Ole Miss in 1995.
LSU also will take on Tennessee (9-4, 3-1) at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
The Tigers are coming off a 2-1 win over Mississippi State Sunday. Prior to that, the Tigers (8-4-1, 1-3) had been outscored 6-0 in three Southeastern Conference losses.
“Anytime you have two teams like Georgia and Tennessee coming here with the situation we’re in at 1-3, a lot of people could look at it as a bad situation,” assistant coach Ricky Zambrano said. “This week has been a good focus week … The emotion of getting that win off of our backs helps.”
Junior forward Artie Brown said the Tigers felt the pressure to get the win.
“Our backs are against the wall,” said Brown, who scored one of the Tigers’ goals. “We’re playing every game like it’s our last game, trying not to get eliminated from postseason play. We’re going in with the attitude that we have to win at all costs.”
Added senior midfielder Stephanie Keating: “We have to take each game one at a time and each half at a time. We have to create our chances and believe in each other. The win on Sunday definitely boosted our confidence, we’re back where we know we need to be.”
After being shut out in its first three SEC games, the Tigers came through with two goals on Sunday.
“We definitely finished our chances more,” Keating said. “We took more shots. I think the fact that we had to win that game to still have a chance to get into the [SEC] Tournament [also helped]. We realized that we needed to take things more seriously and we need to step it up to the next level.”
When the Tigers take on the Tennessee Volunteers, LSU will be facing the defending SEC Tournament Champions.
“The weekend’s going to be hard and challenging, but a good test for us,” Keating said. “It definitely helps the fact that we’re at home.”
Historically, the SEC East Division has dominated the Western Division. Zambrano said times are changing and he points to Ole Miss’ win on the road at Tennessee and State beating Georgia.
He also said this weekend is a chance to use the home field to LSU’s advantage.
“We’re expecting a big crowd [Friday],” Zambrano said. “You would definitely rather play at home in the SEC because you’re used to being on your home field and you have the crowd behind you.”
Tickets to the Friday game are free to LSU students, faculty and staff who present a valid LSU ID. Prizes will be given away throughout the game.