SLU Lady Lions (0-0) at Lamar Cardinals (1-0)
Feb. 12, 2021 | 7 p.m. CT | Beaumont, Texas | Lamar Soccer Complex 
Series History: Lamar Leads 8-5-2
Last Meeting: Lamar 5, SLU 3 (Oct. 11, 2019 – Hammond, La.)

Live Video        Live Stats
 
BEAUMONT, Texas – The Southeastern Louisiana women's soccer team opens the season Friday night at 7 p.m. under fourth-year head coach Chris McBride when they face reigning Southland Conference regular season and tournament champion Lamar on the road.
 
The Lady Lions haven't played since they defeated Nicholls, 5-2, in the 2019 regular season finale Nov. 1. However, SLU is poised and ready for the season with the extra months of preparation.
 
"The atmosphere in practice and around the team has been incredible all week," said McBride. "The players are excited about everything. Traveling on the bus, hotels, team bonding and most importantly, competing. We're all really looking forward to putting on the shirt, and representing Southeastern Athletics again."
 
SLU returns their leading goals scorers from last year in sophomore forwards Ellie Williams and Mya Guillory. The duo combined for seven goals and 45 shots last year.
 
Southeastern's backline, which has yielded one goal or less 30 times in 54 matches under McBride, will be a key part of the Lady Lions' success. Senior goal keeper Nadine Maher enters her third year with the team boasting 155 career saves. The Dublin, Ireland native led the conference in saves in 2018 with 92.
 
Lamar (16-7, 10-1 Southland in 2019) will be an enormous challenge for the Lady Lions. LU boasts four first team preseason All-Southland selections, including senior Esther Okoronkwo. The forward set an all-time Southland record for goals scored in a season with 25 in 2019.
 
The Cardinals also return two defenders that were named to the preseason first team All-Southland in seniors Juana Plata and Sophia Manibo and midfielder Kaisa Juvonen.
 
"Lamar has always been solid all over the field," said McBride. "Their forwards can score goals; their midfield can distribute and cover a lot of ground and their defense is very athletic. It's going to be a good test and we are mostly looking forward to being able to compete after so long off."
 
While Lamar won the 2017 and 2019 conference tournament championship, the Lady Lions have been extremely competitive over the years with the Cardinals. Lamar leads the all-time series, 8-5-2 (4-4 at SLU, 2-1-2 at Lamar, 2-0 at conference tournament).
 
"Typically, we will arrange a very tough non-conference game or two before conference play so we can see where we need to be," said McBride. "Starting with Lamar is just like starting with a non-conference powerhouse game. They will test us all over the field and help us understand what we need do to moving forward."
 
Fans can follow Friday's opener as live video and live stats links will be available at the women's soccer schedule page at LionSports.Net.
 
SCORE ONE MORE CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the women's soccer program are encouraged to join the Score One More Club.  Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Score One More Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern soccer program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Southeastern Soccer, follow @LionUpSoccer and @chrismcbride88 on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.
 
TICKETS
For ticket information, please contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit www.LionSports.net/tickets. Southeastern is implementing mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets for the 2020-21 season. All tickets will be available via e-mail in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.