Troy University Athletics
Friday, August 17
Troy, Ala.
3:00 p.m.
Troy University
vs
Alabama State
Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer
Trojan Soccer Ready for 2012
8/16/2012 10:00:00 AM | Soccer
Live Stats - Live Video
TROY, Ala. – The Troy University soccer team gets the 2012 season underway on Friday with a non-conference matchup against in-state rival Alabama State at 3 p.m. at the Troy Soccer Complex.
The Trojans lead the all-time series against ASU 6-0, outscoring the Hornets 52-1. Last season, Troy beat Alabama State 5-0 in Montgomery in the season opener. Alissa Jones scored twice and added one assist in her Troy debut, while Erin Cersley, Chelsey Williams and Maddie Tieken each scored once. Alabama State mustered just three shots all game, with one reaching Trojan goalkeeper Ashley Branham.
In 2009, Troy set a program-record for most goals in a game by shutting out Alabama State 15-0.
Live stats and live video will be available for the match at TroyTrojans.com.
The Trojans, who were picked to finish fifth in the Sun Belt Conference pre-season poll, return a solid group of athletes, including seven starters from a season ago. Seniors Nikki Stamaris and Cersley will look to take control over a young team that includes nine freshmen and seven sophomores.
Four of last years' top-five scorers return, including freshman sensations Williams and Jones. Williams led the team in 2011 with 19 points, on nine goals and one assist, while Jones finished tied for second with 16 points on seven goals and two assists. Stamaris and Tieken will also be called upon to contribute this season.
A trio of juniors leads the way at midfield, in Samantha Morgan, Kailani Decock and Cecilia Thorngren. Joining them will be Jane Latif, who will be looking to make her Trojan debut in 2012, after missing the last two seasons due to injury.
Troy brings a young, but experienced, collection of defenders this season. Cersley leads the unit that includes sophomores Karina Moore, Georgia Wallis and Paige McMillan.
Nine newcomers will also be vying for playing time on the field this season.
Troy is in unfamiliar territory, looking for a new starter in net. Four-year starter Branham started 78 games over the past four years. This season, Caitlin Buono, Maddie Winter and Katie Comeno-Lewis will all be battling for minutes.
For more information on Troy Athletics, be sure to visit TroyTrojans.com. Fans can also find Troy on Twitter at @TroyAthletics or on Facebook at Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.
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