The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebs Win Home Tourney in Final Spring Weekend
4/27/2005 | Soccer
April 27, 2005
OXFORD, Miss. - The Rebel soccer team wrapped up its exhibition season with a 1-0-1 weekend and won the Ole Miss Club Team Invitational on goal differential Saturday in Oxford.
The host Rebels used four second-half goals in the 4-0 pounding of the Baton Rouge Soccer Club. After a scoreless first stanza, Brittney Potts put Ole Miss on the board with a first-time volley off passing from Amy Gill and Kelly Renie. Minutes later, Potts struck again to the back corner after Chrissi Strini sent a ball behind the defense. It marked Potts' first multiple-goal outing of the offseason, while Strini registered her team-best fifth assist.
Renie would account for the final two scores against BRSC, setting up Gill for a slow roller to the back post and connecting with a half volley after a long pass from Kristal Menard.
The Rebels turned in another big second half in the 2-2 tie against Mississippi United '88. Down 2-0 with 17 minutes remaining in the match, Ole Miss opened the rally with Lyndsey Williams scoring off a Renie serve to the back post. The Rebels would even the contest in the final 2:30 when Christine Liberto set up Gill for a deep blast past the keeper.
Both Ole Miss and the United ended the day with identical 1-0-1 records, but the Rebels claimed the tournament title on a goal differential of 3.
"We played well in both matches and did a great job of possessing and controlling the rhythm of play," said Ole Miss head coach Steve Holeman. "We were able to spread the field and isolate our flank players, providing them many opportunities to run at defenders one-v-one. Within our short passing game, we were able to identify times where we could exploit the space in behind their backs, creating several breakaway chances.
"Both teams we played were very talented and competitive, and I'm pleased we were able to end our spring season against two quality opponents."
The Rebels conclude exhibition play with a 5-1-2 mark in full-squad competition with notable victories over Southern Miss 3-0 and Louisville 2-0. The All-SEC forward duo of Renie and Potts teamed with Gill to top the club in scoring each with 4 goals. Renie also tallied 4 assists.
