The University of Mississippi Athletics

Price Loposer

Soccer Practice Report: Oct. 23

10/23/2020 | Soccer

OXFORD, Miss. – Seeking to keep momentum rolling following last week's 2-0 victory at Alabama, Ole Miss returns home for its first matchup with a ranked opponent, taking on No. 7 Arkansas on Sunday at the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium.
 
Earlier this week, head coach Matt Mott, sophomore Taylor Radecki and freshman Price Loposer sat down with our own Seth Austin to chat about the team's week of practice and the outlook of the match.
 
CAPTURING MOMENTUM
The Rebels picked up a huge 2-0 win last weekend over the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. Ole Miss came flying out of the gate, scoring in the 10th minute on a Channing Foster header that came from a long throw-in by Taylor Radecki.
 
"That was extremely big for us, we needed that win to come together," said Radecki. "Coach was talking about how we needed to knock the cover off the net and just get a ball in the back of the net to get our team ready to go."
 
Head coach Matt Mott hopes that picking up the victory on the road gets his team back on track and they can continue to carry this momentum moving forward,
 
"It was a massive game for us," said Mott. "I was really proud of the players, they really responded. It was a difficult loss at Auburn, we didn't play well, and obviously, the way the game ended was really disappointing… We defended a good team and got two good goals and were able to walk away with three points that we desperately needed. I'm happy about that and happy with where the team is."
 
CREATING CHEMISTRY
With so many new faces seeing action on the pitch this season, players have had to learn how to play together. The newcomers are continuing to grow their game and figure out how it fits in with their role on the team.
 
"The more and more we play, the better and better we get," said Loposer. "As you can see with Lucy and me, just coming in as freshmen, were figuring out what style Madison Smith likes to play, what style does Sydney Michalak like to play, what does Sophie Dineen expect from us. It's kind of a difference of learning when we should step and when we shouldn't but the more and more we play, I think our backline is going to continue to get better."
 
BACK IN THE GAME
Since enrolling early and training with the team all spring, Price Loposer has been itching to see the field in a Rebel uniform. After battling injuries in the preseason and early on in the 2020 schedule, she's back and making an impact on the pitch.
 
"She's added tons of minutes and tons of quality to our backline," said Mott. "She had a really tough start. She finally got some minutes against Auburn and looked very good and was dangerous. She's a great defender, and she's one of our best athletes. She really increases our athleticism on the field with pace and all the athletic components. Getting her back out there and playing was big for us, and she looked good."
 
Just two games into her collegiate career, Loposer is already feeling her confidence grow.
 
"It feels really great to be back and my confidence just keeps on getting better and better because I'm able to get out there and play," said Loposer. "It hasn't been much of a change [from high school], the speed is definitely different, but I always like having fast-paced games and playing on my toes."
 
LEAP OF FAITH
It's been quite the journey to Oxford for Florida State transfer Radecki. In an already unusual season, the sophomore has had to jump through many hoops, but she will be the first to tell you that it's all been worth it.
 
"I was worried [about coming to Ole Miss] because I wasn't allowed to visit," said Radecki. "I kind of had to commit without speaking face-to-face with any of the coaches or players. So, I was kind of taking a chance coming to Oxford, but I'm extremely happy with what I picked."
 
Mott was so excited to have Radecki join his squad for the 2020 season. The St. Augustine, Florida, native brings a unique set of skills to the Rebels, including a lethal long throw-in.
 
"She's been great," said Mott. "She's a great passer of the ball, her connection rate is 80 percent plus. She just does such a great job of keeping possession for us. She's great in the air, defends well and is a great athlete. She's been a true dream so far in her career, started off well and she's just really settled into that position. We're just really happy with her. Then you add in the long throw, and she's just an unbelievable weapon."
 
"I think it's huge," said Radecki. "Coach always says get to the end line and get corners. Now, it's even if you don't get a corner, if you get it close to the final third it's "Taylor go take it." I'm just really excited because I know that I have really great forwards and just need to get it in near the goal and they'll do the work."
 
SUNDAY SHOWDOWN
Heading into Sunday's matchup with No. 7 Arkansas, the Rebels are focusing on their game plan and looking to build off their performance from last week.
 
"I think it's huge that we don't play their game," said Radecki. "We need to stick with how we've been playing. They are going to try to get us to fall into just kicking it and trying to run down their throats but when we connect the ball and get it to our forwards, and they push and press we really do well."
 
There is a sense of excitement among the team to host one of the nation's best teams and have a chance to prove themselves.
 
"They're a great team, really well-coached," said Mott. "They are dangerous the entire 90 minutes, they just press you and put balls in the box. So, for us as a team, we have to be committed defensively and then when we get a chance or two, we have to take advantage of it. It's a big game and an exciting game for us at home Sunday afternoon. Our players are going to be up for it, there's no question about it."
 
"We're pumped," said Loposer. "We were just so excited to knock the cover off the goal and score twice [against Alabama] and not allow any goals… we're going to give Arkansas a run for their money."

Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Rebels by following Ole Miss Soccer on Twitter at @OleMissSoccer, on Facebook at Facebook.com/OleMissSoccer, and on Instagram at Instagram.com/officialolemisssoccer. Also, follow head coach Matt Mott on Twitter at @CoachMattMott.
 

Players Mentioned

HIGHLIGHTS: Soccer vs. Georgia (9/21/25)
Sunday, September 21
Sidney O'Billovich Named SEC Defensive Player of the Week
Monday, September 15
HIGHLIGHTS: Soccer vs. Auburn (9/12/25)
Friday, September 12
HIGHLIGHTS: Soccer vs. Louisiana (9/4/25)
Thursday, September 04