MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Women's Soccer program began the 2021 season at home with a 1-1 tie against non-conference foe LSU-Shreveport on Thursday, Aug. 19th. Mobile, led by head coach Brian Person who enters his 15th season with the Rams, controlled much of the first half in the season-opener and was first to hit the scoreboard in the 20th minute.
Mobile newcomer, Cecilie Esbak Pedersen, recorded her first-collegiate goal with a beautiful shot from deep in the box that floated over the head of the LSU-S goalkeeper. The freshman from Koge, Denmark was greeted with cheers and hugs from teammates as she notched Mobile's first goal of the season. The Rams took a 1-0 lead to halftime over the Pilots of LSU-S.
In the second half, LSU-S increased possession of the ball and threatened in the Mobile territory throughout the half. After a close shot that was saved by Mobile goalkeeper Maria Alejandra Diaz Linde, the ball deflected off Diaz Linde and rolled into the LSU-S goal for a own-goal, tying the match, 1-1. The own-goal was originally credited to a LSU-S player, however after review, the ball crossed the goal line after Diaz Linde's glove inadvertently pushed the ball across in the 69th minute. Following the own-goal, Diaz Linde was removed from the match for concussion protocol and did not return.
In the tied final, Mobile out-shot the Pilots, 17-7, with seven of those being on-goal. LSU-S managed six shots on-goal. Diaz Linde finished the match with four saves and back-up goalkeeper Payton Lewis recorded one.
The Rams will return to action on Saturday, Aug. 21 at home against a tough non-conference opponent in Southeastern University. The Fire of Southeastern currently ranks No. 6 in the NAIA Women's Soccer Top 25 Coaches' poll. Saturday's match is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CT.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For more information about the University of Mobile, visit the website at www.umobile.edu or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
