The University of Mississippi Athletics
Soccer Wins Exhibition 1-0 At Samford
8/16/2008 | Soccer
All-SEC midfielder Amy Bayles scored off a Hannah Weatherly assist, and the Rebels piled up 16 shots to just four for a Samford team that returned nine starters from last year’s NCAA Tournament squad.
“We played well today,” said Rebel head coach Steve Holeman. “Considering we are only 10 days into preseason practice, I think we played as well as we could. We had great rhythm and possessed extremely well. Samford had a compact, organized defense that was tough to score on, but we created many chances. Our defense was solid. Most importantly, we got the result.”
Ole Miss dominated possession and kept most of the play on Samford’s half of the field throughout the match. The Rebels led the shots battle 8-0 after a scoreless first half.
Five minutes into the second period, Ole Miss was able to finish one of its opportunities. Weatherly beat her player on the left flank 1 v 1 and slotted a ball to the near post, where Bayles made a run and finished one-touch from two yards out to put her team ahead.
The Rebels nearly tacked on two more second-half goals, as senior co-captain Christine Breaux banged one off the crossbar on a free kick, and freshman Katie Breathitt struck a ball that was saved off the line by a Bulldog defender.
A stout Rebel defense allowed just four shots, three of which came in the waning minutes of the match. Senior co-captain Megan Vickery and freshman Alley Ronaldi split time in goal for the shutout. Ronaldi recorded one save in the second half.
As is normal for exhibition matches, Holeman was able to substitute liberally and extend minutes across the roster, including to seven incoming freshmen.
“We played every player available,” Holeman said. “We are so young with so many freshmen, it was important to get them quality minutes so they can get used to the college game. It was a valuable game for us, and I think we accomplished a lot.”
Ole Miss will kick off the 2008 regular season with three straight road matches, beginning with Friday’s season opener at
