NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The University of North Alabama soccer team is set to conclude a three-game Atlantic Sun Conference road trip against Lipscomb on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex. The Lions defeated the Bisons 1-0 in the ASUN Semifinal last year, paving their way to the ASUN Championship Game.
MATCHUP DETAILS:
– Teams: North Alabama vs. Lipscomb
– Date: Sunday, September 29
– Time: 1 p.m.
– Location: Nashville, Tenn. – Lipscomb Soccer Complex, 1 University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
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NOTES:
SERIES HISTORY: This will mark the 13th meeting between the two programs. The Lions hold a 4-8 record against Lipscomb, with their notable victory occurring during last year’s ASUN postseason. The first match between the teams took place in 2000 under head coach Aston Rhoden, where the Lions claimed a 3-2 win. Both teams have faced off in the ASUN postseason in 2018 and 2023.
LAST GAME SUMMARY: The North Alabama soccer team suffered its second consecutive road defeat on a rainy Thursday, losing to Austin Peay State University 2-0. Senior forward Haley Patterson registered four shots, two of which were on target. The match remained scoreless at halftime, with goalkeeper Allanah Blye making four saves in the first half, equaling her season-high of five saves from a previous match against UT Martin. Austin Peay outshot the Lions 16-11, with an 8-5 advantage in shots on goal.
SCOUTING LIPSOMB: The Bisons have only lost three games this season, with defeats coming against in-state rival Tennessee, Troy, and ASUN opponent Central Arkansas. Lipscomb allows fewer than nine shots per game, with only five teams surpassing that mark across ten matches, three of which were victorious against them. Last year, Lipscomb started strong with seven consecutive ASUN wins but has already encountered one loss and one tie in the current season.
RIVALRY ESTABLISHED: The matchup has evolved into a rivalry since North Alabama joined the ASUN in 2019, with nine encounters taking place since then. Both teams faced off in the regular season and postseason in 2018 and 2023. The 2018 postseason was significant for UNA, marking their first Division I championship game, where they fell 3-2. In 2023, the Lions upset Lipscomb 1-0 in the ASUN semifinals, marking Coach Chris Walker’s first victory against them in the Division I era.
CORNER KICKS INSIGHT: Lipscomb’s three losses this season saw their opponents earn more corner kicks, specifically in matches against Tennessee and Troy. North Alabama excels in this area, amassing 47 corner kicks this season, including a standout performance with 10 against Queens.
COACHING MILESTONE: North Alabama’s head coach Chris Walker is on the verge of reaching 100 career wins. With a record of 97-88-23 over the past 12 years at UNA, he is just three wins shy of the milestone and 14 wins away from tying the all-time record of 111 wins held by former head coach Graham Winkworth.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Following the match against Lipscomb, the Lions will return home to host Bellarmine on Thursday, October 3 at 7 p.m. at the Florence Sportsplex in Florence, Ala. This game kicks off a four-match home stretch, culminating in a matchup against North Florida at the Cox Creek Sports Complex.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit their official website and follow them on social media platforms.