Troy Hosts Second Annual Trojan Classic Soccer Tournament

All-Access | Media Guide

TROY, Ala. – The Troy University soccer team hits the pitch again this Friday, coming off a disappointing loss against Southeastern Louisiana. The Trojans look to bounce back from that defeat, taking on Mississippi State University in the second game of the Trojans Classic Friday afternoon.

"Coming off a loss at this point in the year is something that can only benefit us,” head coach Chris Bentley said. “We need to learn how to bounce back, and we have definitely done that in training."

The Trojans fell to Southeastern Louisiana 1-0, with the only score in the game coming on an own goal in the first two minutes in the first half. Despite the loss the Trojans have yet to give up a goal to the opposing team, as both goals scored on the Trojans this year have come off own goals.

"The team has responded very well to the loss,” Bentley said. “Training has been good, but more importantly we know that this is a process to prepare us for conference and that we need to fix a few things and apply them this weekend."

The Trojans, who are now 1-1 in the regular season, are hoping to use that as momentum into their next game against their Southeastern Conference foe.

"The focus for this weekend has really been on the deficiencies we have shown in the past three games we have played," Bentley said.

The game against Mississippi State will be the first game for the Trojans in the second annual Trojan Classic soccer tournament. The tournament also features two other teams that include Austin Peay and South Alabama. The Trojans play against Austin Peay on Sunday.

"Both opponents should be great tests for us,” said Bentley. “We are excited to have an SEC opponent come to us, and Austin Peay has not lost yet rolling into the weekend.”

Mississippi State (2-1) brings nine returning starters to the tournament, while Austin Peay brings a veteran team as they have 10 returning starters. The Lady Govs enter the weekend with a perfect 4-0 record.

“They will both bring different systems and styles of play which will be great experience for us,” said Bentley. “Mississippi State is fast, athletic, deep in talent and well-coached, so we will have our hands full Friday. However that is not to say that Austin Peay won't be a challenge either. They are a young team coming off four straight wins, and their newcomers are causing a lot of problems for opponents."

Although Troy will not have to face their fellow Sun Belt opponent, South Alabama in the tournament, they get a chance to get a look of what is to come in future conference play.

"It's great to have three competitive teams here at Troy for the weekend," Bentley said. "It is a great opportunity for the community to see high level soccer on a busy weekend for Troy Athletics."

Admission is free to all Troy home soccer matches. Follow Troy Athletics on Twitter @TroyAthletics, and become a fan on Facebook.

The Troy University Athletics Media Relations Office will provide a live web stream of both games on Friday and the last game on Sunday due to conflicts with the volleyball tournament taking place at Sartain Hall at the same time on the final day.

Fans can purchase All-Access on TroyTrojans.com with four different packages available. The packages include a daily pass for $5.95, a recurring monthly pass for $9.95 per month, sport package for $24.95 and an annual pass to be able to watch every event streamed on TroyTrojans.com for $89.95.

Troy University Athletics

Troy Hosts Second Annual Trojan Classic Soccer Tournament

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