The LSU soccer team continues its non-conference schedule this weekend, as they will face Birmingham Southern tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Loyola of Maryland on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at the LSU Soccer Complex.
Although these games lack some of the excitement brought by a Southeastern Conference game, team members said playing the 10 games prior to SEC play is an important challenge for them.
“These games matter because we need to win all the non-conference games to help us make NCAA’s,” said sophomore forward Christine Haman.
Senior midfielder Stephanie Keating said she believes scheduling these games is vital to improving the team’s shape, communication and ability to capitalize on opportunity.
“It helps because it builds our confidence and gives us the opportunity to build as a team,” Keating said. “It’s a time where we need to build on eachother.”
These games are also the first time coach George Fotopoulos is able to see his players perform in pressure situations.
“George is able to look at different players in different positions and see what works best,” said senior midfielder Jen deHay. “Like he always tells us, ‘If you can’t do it against these teams, you can’t do it period.'”
LSU (3-0) is coming off two shutout victories, a 12-0 win over Jackson State and a 7-0 victory against McNeese, and Keating said she is excited following the team’s past two performances.
“After our game Tuesday night, I feel like we are starting to come together pretty well,” she said.
The Tigers need to be careful not to overlook their opponents this weekend, deHay said.
“We’re on a high now because we came off two really big wins, but we can’t be over-confident,” she said.
Tonight’s opponent, Birmingham Southern (1-1), is coming off its first victory of the season after defeating Jacksonville State, 1-0. The Panthers dropped their season opener to Georgia State.
Sunday’s game is expected to be a challenge because Loyola Maryland made it to the NCAA tournament last year, but failed to get past the first round.
“They’re a really good team,” Haman said. “I think it’s going to take another effort where everyone pulls through.”