JACKSONVILLE – Samford posted a goal in each half against Jacksonville State to claim a 2-0 decision in the season opener for both teams on Thursday night on the JSU Soccer Field.

The Gamecocks will continue the season-opening weekend on Sunday, August 21 against the Jaguars of South Alabama in another in-state duel. Match time is set for 12 p.m. at the JSU Soccer Field. Admission is free to all JSU soccer home matches. The match will also be streamed on ESPN+.

Scoring was at a premium as both teams combined for 16 total shots on the evening with the Bulldogs holding a 12-4 edge in the offensive category. It was a defensive battle until Samford netted the lone goal of the first half. Kyla Reynolds was able to take advantage of a JSU miscue in the 24th minute. The Bulldogs added an insurance goal near the 75th minute with a shot from Kylie Gazza after a one of SU's eight corner kick opportunities.

"I am really proud of the girls tonight. We were organized, disciplined and we looked like we were united. We worked for every ball and fought for the ball," said head coach Neil Macdonald. "When you play the 29^th ranked team in the country and you make on mistake in the first half that cost us a goal and the second goal was just a brilliant goal on their part. I am really pleased defensively and we kept the ball well in moments and we had some good chances."

Junior Kylie Wells, who lead the Gamecocks in shots last season, picked up right where she left off last season with a pair of shots, including a look at goal. Freshman Birta Birgisdóttir and sophomore Laleh Lonteen added the other two chances for a goal.

"I thought Kylie (Wells) had a great game and she was forward a lot and in good attacking positions," added Macdonald. "I thought Laleh (Lonteen) was pretty feisty in creating chances. The main thing was that it was a good team performance."

Jax State went with freshman Bailey Dean at the goalkeeper spot on opening night and drew rave reviews from the head coach. Dean finished with six saves in her intercollegiate debut.

"I thought she was excellent and did not make a mistake all night," mentioned Macdonald. "You could see her growing with confidence as the game went on and we got a few more freshmen in the match as well

JSU had five new faces make an appearance in the season opener as Vanessa Mejia and Birgisdóttir earned a spot in the starting lineup. Mejia is a transfer from Santa Clara, while Birgisdóttir is making the transition from Iceland. Freshmen Camryn Davis, Ella Staub and Naomi Sadler came off the bench for their first action in a Jax State uniform.

Macdonald mentioned bringing the same type of mentality every night will prove to be successful throughout the 2022 season.

"If we can bring the intensity, the organization and the intensity that we showed against a quality team, then we will win some games. To me, there is nothing but positives that came out of the performance tonight."

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