The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ole Miss Faces Charlotte, Wake in First Soccer Road Games
9/2/2004 | Soccer
Sept. 2, 2004
OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss hits the road for the first time in the young soccer season this weekend at the Charlotte Classic with matches against Charlotte and Wake Forest. The Rebels face the host 49ers Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET, and take on Wake Sunday at 1 p.m. ET with both matches at Transamerica Field. Ole Miss (2-1-0) is looking to rebound from its first loss of the year on Tuesday, a 1-0 defeat to Memphis on an own goal. The Rebel defense was outstanding, limiting the Tigers to one shot-on-goal. Ole Miss has surrendered two goals through the first three matches, and only one was scored by an opposing player. "Our defense has been really strong," said Rebel head coach Steve Holeman. "They have not only been productive in shutting down the opponent but helping in our attack. Our backs have gotten in and helped create solid scoring opportunities." Ole Miss finished the Memphis bout with an 18-7 shot advantage, and through three games, holds a 63-21 edge in attempts. The Rebels have outscored the opposition 11-2. Sophomore forward Brittney Potts is the club's leading scorer with four goals and a pair of assists. The Franklin, Tenn., native notched her first career hat trick in the season-opening 7-0 whipping of Northwestern State. Senior Karen Hall boasts three goals on the year, while junior Kelly Renie has two. Ole Miss has not had consecutive regular-season losses since 2001, and puts that streak on the line against a hungry Charlotte squad Friday. The 49ers (0-2) began the campaign with losses at UNC-Wilmington, 4-2, and Davidson, 1-0, last weekend. A pair of NCAA Tournament teams square off Sunday when the Rebels tackle the Demon Deacons. Wake has made eight straight appearances in the Big Dance and is off to a 1-0-1 start this season with a 1-1 tie at Vanderbilt and a 3-2 home win over UNC-Greensboro. The Deacs return 13 players from last year's 10-7-3 team, including All-ACC defender Melanie Schneider who posted a goal and an assist against Greensboro. "This weekend is critical for us," Holeman said. "Our players are motivated and ready to get back on track and move forward. "Charlotte will present a great challenge. This will be their first home game, and they'll be motivated and prepared for their own tournament. "Wake Forest is one of the highlights of our non-conference schedule. They are a perennial top-25 team. This is an NCAA game for us, and we need to bring our best." This weekend will mark Ole Miss' first ever encounters with both Charlotte and Wake Forest.
