The LSU soccer freshmen proved their capabilities Sunday by pushing the team to a 2-0 victory against Houston in the Tigers’ highest scoring match this season. Despite the win they said their performance could have been sharper.
Freshman midfielder Heather Magee scored the first goal of her Tiger career in the fourth minute of play from 20 yards out. The goal came with assists from freshman Fernanda Piña and junior Nina Anderson.
In her first game at LSU, freshman Jade Kovacevic wasted no time to prove what she could do for the Tigers. Kovacevic not only started the game, but also scored in the 40th minute off an assist from redshirt freshman Victoria Sample.
Kovacevic returned to the team last week after competing in the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan with the U-20 Canadian Women’s National team.
“She’s one of our best players,” said LSU coach Brian Lee. “She’s a world class player.”
The Tigers controlled the first half of the game with six shots versus Houston’s two. The tempo was set early by Magee’s goal, and Houston didn’t get many chances to score.
Houston had more opportunities to score in the second half, but could not convert.
They shot seven times in the second half and had three corner kicks. Katelyn Rhodes led Houston with five shots in the game.
Houston was able to score, but an offsides Houston player negated the point.
Lee said the team played better in their home opener against Rice and portions of their loss to NC State on Aug. 26.
“We just weren’t sharp,” Lee said. “But maybe the practice routine got a little affected by Isaac.”
LSU competes tonight in a rescheduled matchup against Stephen F. Austin to continue their series of home games.
The Ladyjacks (4-1-0) come to Baton Rouge with four shutouts in their last five games. Seniors Kylie Louw and Laura Sadler lead SFA with three goals and six assists, respectively. The Ladyjacks’ experienced squad competes with six seniors and three juniors this season.
Lee remains confident in his younger team.
“There’s a lot of young players among our best kids,” Lee said. “We’re going to have growing pains in terms of sharpness. I think we’re doing fantastic, and they’re working hard. …We’ll keep having growing wins until we hit on all cylinders.”
