MOBILE, Ala. - After a location change due to weather, the University of Mobile Women's Soccer team hosted Thomas University (Ga.) at Sage Avenue Park in Mobile, Ala. for a non-conference match Friday night, Aug. 26. The location change was due to the amount of rain received over the last week in the Mobile region and Sage Park having an available turf field that is quick to dry. Friday's match was competitive between the two non-conference foes and ended in a 2-2 draw.
Rams Just Miss First Win of Season
Throughout the match, Mobile seemed to have the upper hand, controlling the ball for the majority. Thomas scored an early goal nine minutes into the first half, but Mobile did not let falling down one goal stop them from pressing hard into enemy territory. Eventually, the Rams tied things up in the 43rd minute off the foot of Mobile newcomer Carolina Martins Gomes. Mia Mugford was credited with the assist after a great pass from near midfield. Martins Gomes' goal was the first goal scored this season for Mobile.
Coming out of halftime with the scored still tied 1-1, a substitution from Mobile Head Coach Brian Person added the fresh legs of freshman Olivia Quiroz into the match who eventually gave Mobile the lead with her first collegiate goal in the 77th minute. Mia Mugford was once again awarded the assist after leading Quiroz with the pass. Quiroz's speed and shot did the rest as the Rams were less than 15 minutes away from victory.
Following the two unanswered goals given up, pressure seemed to ignite the Thomas offense as the Night Hawks began threatening deep into Mobile territory. After a foul call on Mobile near midfield, a Thomas midfielder kicked it near the net of Mobile, attempting to lead a fellow Night Hawk for a potential shot. Mobile's Madison Hager was there to defend the pass as she headed it back to goalkeeper and reigning SSAC Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week Ebba Elweroth. However, Elweroth came up behind Hager in an attempt to catch the pass, allowing the ball to bounce off Hager's head into the net for Thomas' equalizing goal with just 11 minutes left in the match. From there, the late miscommunication cost the Rams a victory as the match ended in a 2-2 draw.
Prior to the 2022 season, the NAIA passed a new rule stating that all regular season matches that end the regulation time limit in a tie will be counted as a draw. There will be no overtime for regular season matches in NAIA soccer. Only postseason matches will see overtime.
The Rams have nothing to hang their heads about, as Mobile looked strong on the field. Both teams had five shots-on-goal, while Mobile converted seven corner kicks compared to Thomas' four.
On the Road for Five-Straight
After opening the 2022 season with a 0-1-1 record, Mobile is set to play five-straight non-conference road matches starting on Sunday, Aug. 28. The Rams will meet Millsaps College, a NCAA D-III program, in Jackson, Miss. for a 5:00 p.m. CT kickoff.
From there, Mobile will tour the state of Georgia, playing four Georgia NAIA programs from Sept. 3 through Sept. 10.
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 information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
