The Louisiana Soccer Team host its third annual Alumni Exhibition game on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. at Ragin’ Cajun Soccer/Track Facility.
The squad began preseason drills last Wednesday, getting in shape for the 2011 campaign. Saturday’s exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for the team to face live competition as they will host Northwestern State next Friday (Aug. 19) at 7:00 p.m.
Seventh-year head coach Scot Wieland returns five starters from his 2010 roster, including goalkeeper Amanda Moorefield. Moorefield played an integral part in the team’s eight win improvement from a year ago. The South Lake, Texas native tallied all 10 of the squad’s victories with four shutouts and a solid 1.41 goals against average.
Redshirt-junior Gayla Foster will captain the backline. Foster, who has fought injury throughout her Cajun career, returned last season for her first full season in two years. Foster was able to net three goals off 11 shots. Seniors Allison Baker and Megan Riley also return and will prove valuable to deterring opposition.
Junior Cayla Chatman tied for the team lead scoring last season. She notched seven goals including a brace against La.-Monroe on October 29. Chatman, who appeared primarily as a reserve player last season, will be called upon to lead the UL offensive attack.
Twenty-four former Cajuns are expected to lace up the cleats in opposition of the 2011 squad. Among the notable alumni include, UL all-time career goals leader Kelli Jestes (21) and points leader Courtney Hofland (52). Hofland (84) and Jestes (80) sit one and two on the career list of matches played in a Louisiana uniform, respectfully.
The Cajun’s open their 2011 schedule on Friday, Aug. 19 against Northwestern State before taking on in-state rival LSU Sunday, Aug. 21 at 1 p.m.
The NSU/LSU weekend starts a favorable stretch of the season, in which will see UL plays five of their first six games at home. Ragin’ Cajun Soccer/Track Facility will play host to 11 games in 2011, the most in program history. Other notable home contest include, Denver(9/30), North Texas (10/2), and 2010 Sun Belt Champion Middle Tennessee (10/14).
Alumni Expected to Attend:
Chelsea Balestra 2007-10
Carleigh Martin 2007-10
Jordan Blevins 2007-10
Kennedy Richards - 2009-10
Kelli Jestes 2007-10
Courtney Hofland 2006-10
Kathryn Bergeron Head 2005-07
Taunya Geelhoed 2004-08
Kerri Luyites 2004-07
Lindsey Webb Cockrell 2003-06
Bridgette Adorno 2004-07
Kristi Burkett-Pecoraro 2002-03
Cheryl Smith
Heather Fuller 2007-08
Stephanie Lynch 2004-07
Melissa Barger 2003-05
Natalie Hanks 2001-04
Lindsay Schwind 2003,2005
Ashley Delahoussaye 2000-03
Tiffany Garber 2002-03
Anna Brannon 2003-05
Tina Nadalski 2004-05
Megan Crawford Breaud 2003-06