Aug. 23, 2012

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Golden Eagle soccer team returns to action tomorrow as part of a two-game road swing in Louisiana when they take on Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana on Sunday.

Fifth-year coach Scott Ebke's squad opened their season with a 1-1 draw over Mercer last Friday on the Bears' home field, in part by a Chelsea Cruthirds' header in the games waning moments.

On Friday, the Golden Eagles (0-0-1) will travel to Ruston to take on the Lady Techsters (1-0) who defeated LSU-Shreveport 5-0 on Wednesday. Last season, the Golden Eagles and Louisiana Tech played to a 0-0 draw in Hattiesburg.

"Road games are always tough, both mentally and physically, on a team," said Ebke. "But I think last week, our team showed that they can handle pressure and continue pressuring until the final whistle."

The team will have Saturday off before traveling south to Hammond where they will take on Southeastern Louisiana (0-1) who fell to Mississippi State 2-1 a week ago.

"Both Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana are going to provide a challenge for us, without a doubt," noted Ebke. "They know how to play to their strengths and pressure a defense with their attacking mentality. Both of these games will be a good measuring stick for us as we continue through non-conference play."

The Golden Eagles defeated the Lady Lions last season in Hattiesburg 3-1 behind a three-goal, hat trick performance from now senior Jordan Wagner.

In the history of the series, Southern Miss holds a 6-0-1 record with Southeastern Louisiana and are 1-0-1 against Louisiana Tech.

Kickoff for the Louisiana Tech game is set for 11 a.m. while the Southeastern game will begin at 4 pm.