MOBILE, Ala. — The South Alabama soccer team will unofficially open its 2012 season Saturday with its annual soccer alumni game, facing former Jaguar players at 7 p.m. at The Cage.
The Jaguars open the regular season Friday, Aug. 17, against Nicholls State to start their non-conference schedule.
A Tune-Up Before the Opener
The alumni match serves as a soft opening to the season. In last year’s game, the Jaguars scored five goals against the former players, with midfielder Morgan Motes, who returns this season, scoring one of them.
Head coach Mike Varga said this year’s team is further along than in recent preseasons because of its experience.
“The biggest difference this year, as opposed to the past two, is that we have a lot of returning players who have two years of experience,” Varga said. “We’ve moved along a lot faster than we have in the past couple of years. We still have a long way to go, but I’m happy with our progress and I think we’re where we need to be at this point.”
About 30 Alumni Expected
Heavy rain left The Cage’s playing surface in poor condition for last year’s alumni game, but fans, parents and former players still turned out.
“I’ve gotten confirmation from about 30 (alumni) saying they’re coming back,” Varga said. “They’re actually talking a little smack that they’re going to come and compete well against us. Usually, in the first 10 minutes, they do a pretty good job and then fade the last 80, but it’s always fun to see the girls and the guys that played and have a history here. It should be a lot of fun, and hopefully the weather will hold off.”
Free Admission
Admission is free to all South Alabama home soccer matches this season. The Cage is on Old Shell Road just east of Stanky Field, next to the Jaguars’ softball field.
