Troy Triumphs in Final Match of 2007

TROY, Ala. ? Troy was the recipient of two first half goals as they held on for a 2-1 victory over South Alabama in the Trojans' final match of 2007 at the Troy Soccer Complex.

The win was the first ever for Troy over South Alabama. The Trojans were 0-3 all-time versus the Jaguars entering Friday's match.

Troy (7-13, 3-8 SBC) had multiple opportunities early on and was able to capitalize and get an early goal on a Evelyn Keith corner kick that was directed into the back of the net off the head of Laura Hopson.

The goal came in the 10^th minute and gave the Trojans an early 1-0 lead. Hopson's goal was her fourth of the season.

Troy would grab a 2-0 halftime lead with another goal in the 26^th minute as Nicole Targa would receive a through ball from Caiti Norton, then find Evelyn Keith on a cross for a goal.

The goal was Keith's second of the season. Troy out-shot South Alabama 10-to-2 in the first half.

“We basically controlled the entire first half,” head coach Diana Niland said. “We had to find ways to defend in the second half though.”

Troy was forced to defend due to South Alabama's offensive pressure after halftime. The Jaguars (9-7-3, 4-5-2 SBC) would get on the board in the 49^th minute when Sam Slover would find Sam Stocker in the box for a goal.

The Trojans would turn up the heat defensively and hold on despite surrendering 13 shots in the second half.

Karla Smith would wrap up her first season at Troy with another solid match, going the full 90 minutes and making 10 saves.

Keith would finish with one goal and one assist. Targa and Norton would also chip in assists, while Laura Hopson would contribute the second goal.

Four yellow cards were issued during the match. Three to South Alabama players and one to Troy's Norton.

The win was Troy's seventh of the year, the most for the program since they finished 9-9 in 2003. Three conference wins is also the most for the program since joining the Sun Belt in 2005.

“We can take a lot of things from today's match,” Niland said. “First of all it's a good way for the seniors to end on a high note.

“We're happy about our progress. We're glad to beat South Alabama for the first time and to get another conference win on the final day of the season.”

“We've had massive improvements since the beginning of the season and I'm most proud of our girls for all they've done with all the circumstances they have faced,” Niland said.

Troy University Athletics

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