Game Notes (PDF)

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – After a tough 1-0 loss to Radford last weekend, the Tennessee Tech soccer team finds itself in the same position as its next opponent, Alabama State – looking for its first win of 2009.

“It’s going to be about both teams just looking for their first win of the season,” said Tennessee Tech coach Becky Fletcher. “It’s going to come down to which team can put it together. Alabama State will be excited to be playing in front of their home crowd for the first time this season, and after our last match, our girls are excited to get back on the field too.”

The Golden Eagles will meet the Hornets for the first time in program history on Sept. 4 in Montgomery, Ala. Tech has an 0-3-0 record through its first three contests, although the team gained confidence from its 1-0 loss to defending Big South champion Radford.

“We’ve gotten better every game we’ve played,” Fletcher said. “The girls are really starting to click and come together. We’ve improved in area’s that we’ve needed to, but there is still room for improvement. “

Alabama State stands at 0-2-0 after a pair of losses last weekend at The Citadel and Charleston Southern.

After its match up with Alabama State the Golden Eagles will visit a familiar venue, but face another new opponent. Former Ohio Valley Conference member Samford will serve as the host as Tech will square off with Texas State for the first time in program history in the neutral-site contest.

The Bobcats are looking to defend their 2008 Southland Conference title as they went 13-4-4 a season ago, including a 7-0-2 mark in league play. Texas State is 1-2-0 in 2009 after dropping a pair of one-goal decisions to UC Irvine and UC Riverside.

“Texas State is a quality team that returns a majority of their starters from a team that went to the NCAA tournament a year ago,” Fletcher said. “They are going to be a very tough opponent. We will have to put together a full 90 minute effort in order to compete."

Live stats for the game against Texas State will be available through the Samford athletics website, samfordsports.com.

Tech continues its seven-game road trip with trips to Belmont on Sept. 11 and UNC Asheville on Sept. 13. The Golden Eagles will return to Cookeville to open up Ohio Valley Conference play on Sept. 25 against UT Martin. Admission to all Tech home soccer matches is free.