MOBILE, Ala. - With seven regular season matches in the books for the University of Mobile Women's Soccer team, the Rams finally played their first match of the year on their home field at the Jungle Friday night, Sept. 16. The Rams hosted Florida College, a non-conference opponent out of Temple Terrace, Fla., and defeated the Falcons 8-1 to improve the overall record to 4-2-2.
Latiolais For Three
In front of a large Friday evening crowd at the Jungle, the first 18 minutes of the first half went scoreless. However, the Rams controlled possession of the ball, keeping the ball pinned deep into Florida College territory during the first half. After leading Mobile in shots taken through the previous seven matches, true freshman Raegan Latiolais finally notched her first collegiate goal in the 19th minute to put the Rams on the scoreboard. Latiolais' first collegiate goal was later followed by a goal in the 31st minute by Carolina Martins Gomes, her fourth, and a goal by Sophie Roberts in the 43rd minute, her team-leading ninth on the year. Mobile had the edge at halftime, 3-0.
Coming out of halftime, Latiolais managed to put in her second goal of the match just 44 seconds into the second half. She followed that just 10 minutes later with her third goal of the game for the hat trick to make her home debut an unforgettable one. With the lead now 5-0, the Rams had the momentum and confidence on their side as Mobile Head Coach Brian Person began to empty his bench.
Following Latiolais' third goal, Olivia Quiroz managed to chip a shot over the Florida College goalkeeper two minutes later for her third goal of the season. Quiroz later added her second goal of the match, and fourth of the year, in the 70th minute, once again shooting the ball over the outstretched arm of the Florida College keeper.
Sophie Roberts, who scored in the 43rd minute on Friday, recorded her third multi-goal match of the season following her second score of the night in the 65th minute. In just five matches played on the year, Roberts has managed nine goals and four assists, all in the last four matches. Roberts is the reigning SSAC Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week and could have a chance to repeat following her two-goal, two-assist night on Friday.
For Florida College, the Falcons managed to get on the board in the 78th minute following a penalty kick opportunity.
Inside the Box Score
The Rams took a total of 19 shots, with 10 being on-goal on Friday. Florida College recorded 11 shots, most coming in the second half, with eight being on-goal. Mobile starting goalkeeper Ebba Elweroth notched seven saves in the victory to bring her season total to 33 saves in five matches played.
The Rams recorded three total corner kicks and were called for 12 fouls, producing one yellow card. Florida College took just two corners in the defeat, while committing seven fouls.
Three players for Mobile recorded multi-goal matches in the home opener at the Jungle on Friday, with every Ram who scored being newcomers on the team this season. A total of 22 players hit the field for Mobile in the blowout win.
SSAC Action Up Next
With a 4-2-2 record, Mobile turns their attention to conference play beginning next Saturday, Sept. 24. The Rams will host Talladega College at the Jungle next Saturday for a 1:30 p.m. CT start time, beginning a streak of eight-straight SSAC matches to wrap up the regular season.
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.
