Southern Miss blanks Arkansas State 1-0 for first Sun Belt win under Owens

Southern Miss soccer earned its first Sun Belt Conference victory under coach Danny Owens on Thursday, defeating Arkansas State 1-0 at A-State Soccer Complex in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The Golden Eagles improved to 4-3-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play, while Arkansas State fell to 2-4-2 and 0-2.

Lorilee Taylor scored the decisive goal in the 32nd minute, finishing a service from Zara Werema for her second goal of the season. Taylor led all players with five shots, including two on goal, during 87 minutes on the field.

Arkansas State applied pressure early, taking nine shots and earning four corner kicks in the opening half. Southern Miss limited the Red Wolves to four shots and no corners after halftime while protecting the lead. Center backs Argentina Estrada and Georgia Gray played all 90 minutes, and Lauren Entremont and Ella Jefcoat also went the distance.

Goalkeeper Logan McGruder made eight saves as Southern Miss recorded its third clean sheet of the season and held Arkansas State scoreless. The victory reversed the result of the teams’ previous meeting, when Arkansas State won 5-1 in Hattiesburg on Oct. 12, 2025.

Southern Miss also remained unbeaten at A-State Soccer Complex. The Golden Eagles entered with a 1-0-3 road record in the series and improved it to 2-0-3.

Southern Miss returns to Hattiesburg to host Louisiana Tech on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m. CT at Marshall Bell Track & Field/Soccer Complex.

Source: Southern Miss Athletics.