Louisiana soccer enters the final stretch of a five-game homestand as they host Northwestern State on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. from the Home Bank Soccer & Track Complex.
Just two games remain in the homestand, and there has been some stellar defense out of the Louisiana defense. The team has only allowed two goals in four games this season and just one on their home pitch. The Ragin' Cajuns can set a program record on Thursday for the fewest goals allowed through the first five games of the season, which currently is five.
"The organization has been really good and they're communicating really well," said head coach Chris McBride. "We've got people in the right positions they're buying into from the front to the back. The forwards are doing a great job and that goes into the midfield to the back line. We're making sure that we're doing everything we can to take away opposing threats."
Part of Louisiana's success has come from a deep roster. Last week, 17 players played 50 or more minutes
"Kudos to our impact players," said Lauren Bennett. "Being able to come in and immediately make an impact, changes the game. We have a lot of players who could start and the depth really sets us up for success."
MATCH NOTES
Louisiana is off to a hot start defensively, allowing just two goals through four games and look to set the program record for fewest goals allowed through the first five games in a season on Thursday. The current record for fewest goals allowed is five which has happened five times. (2003, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2023)
Sunday's scoreless draw with Florida Atlantic was the team's second in as many weeks. This marked the second time in program history that Louisiana has had multiple scoreless draws in a season. (2006)
The Cajuns are the only team in the SBC with multiple games this season with 20+ shots, they've done so in all 3 matches this season.
With seven, Louisiana is tied for second in the SBC in total goals.
The team's 5-1 win over Middle Tennessee was Louisiana's largest win in the Chris McBride era and their largest margin of victory since a 7-0 win over Alcorn State in 2021.
The Ragin' Cajuns have won six of the last seven in the series, allowing just three goals in that time.
This year 4 of the team's 7 goals have been scored by freshman.
Louisiana recorded five shutouts and combined for 5.67 saves per game last season, this season they have two shutouts in four games and have had to only make five saves total.
Game 6 | Louisiana vs Northwestern State | August 29 | 6:30 PM | Lafayette, Louisiana
Series History: Louisiana leads, 9-8
In Lafayette: Louisiana leads, 6-4
Last Meeting: September 15, 2019 in Natchitoches | NWSU won 2-1