Trojans Battle Back to Tie Southern Miss Off Caylah Williams Goal

Sunday, October 9

Hattiesburg, Miss.

1 p.m.

Troy University

3-6-3, 1-3-2

Southern Miss

1-7-3, 1-3-2

Troy

Southern Miss.

Trojans Battle Back to Tie Southern Miss Off Caylah Williams Goal

10/9/2022 3:38:00 PM | Soccer

Box Score BOX SCORE (PDF)

By: Troy Athletics Communications

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Caylah Williams nails the game-tying goal after a scoreless first half to help Troy exit the Southern Miss Soccer Complex tied, 1-1, against Southern Miss on Sunday afternoon.

The Trojans (3-6-3, 1-3-2 SBC) still search for their first win over the Golden Eagles (1-7-3, 1-3-2 SBC) as both teams secure one point in the standings with four matches remaining.

Williams found the back of the net for her first career goal off the spot-on header assist from Jayla Gage – first assist of the season.

Blessing Kingsley gave Southern Miss the lead in the first half with her seventh of her career as Ryan Smith accounted for five-of-nine shots taken by Southern Miss.

The Equalizer
Troy started the game slowly in the first half, with only two shots and one on goal by Nia Wilson in the 17^thminute.

Southern Miss didn't take long to take the 1-0 advantage after Kingsley hit the back of the net in the middle-center at the five-minute mark.

Head coach Robert Lane made the proper adjustments during halftime as the Trojans responded three minutes into the second. Gage hit the header to the right side of the penalty box and perfectly to Williams, who headed in the game-tying goal, 1-1.

The remainder of the match saw Troy play the defensive role, keeping the Golden Eagles from hitting the game-winner despite letting out five shots compared to Troy's zero.

Hear from Lane
"Tale of two halves for us. I thought Southern Miss asked a lot of questions of us in the first half and challenged our shape. We made some adjustments at halftime, and the ladies gave themselves a chance to get a result. Proud of the fight to the finish, but we've got to make sure we find a way to start matches on the front foot."

What Do the Stats Show?
• Troy was limited to just three shots with two on goal – shots are tied for the second lowest this season.
• Sunday's tie marks the third tie of the season for Troy, which is the most ties in a season since 2019 at four.
• Troy battled back after being held scoreless at the half for the first time this season – 0-4-0 before today.
• Despite the one goal allowed by Lindsey LaRoche, the goalkeeper had three key saves, including two in the second half.

Heading Back Home
Troy returns home to the Troy Soccer Complex next Sunday when the team battles Texas State at 1 p.m.