Ole Miss Welcomes Texas: A Historic Matchup in Oxford
This Thursday night, the Ole Miss Rebels will host the Texas Longhorns in a highly anticipated SEC matchup at the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT, and fans can catch the action on the SEC Network with Mike Watts and Jill Loyden on the call. This game marks a significant moment in Ole Miss soccer history, as it will be the first time the Longhorns visit Oxford, adding an exciting chapter to the rivalry.
Quick Kicks
The Rebels are looking to bounce back after a tough 1-0 loss against LSU this past Sunday. Despite the defeat, Ole Miss has shown resilience throughout the season, highlighted by their previous encounter with Texas on November 14, 2003. In that match, the Rebels secured a 1-0 victory, marking their first NCAA tournament win and the 100th win in program history.
In the recent match against LSU, goalkeeper Shu Ohba made a season-high nine saves, showcasing her skills as a formidable presence in the net. Meanwhile, Kelly Brady continues to shine, having scored her third goal of the season in the SEC opener against Tennessee. Freshman Kayla Keefer leads the team in scoring with four goals and two assists, while Katie Ramsden has emerged as a key playmaker, leading the Rebels in assists.
Last Time Out
In their last outing, Ole Miss faced a challenging match against LSU, where they were narrowly defeated 1-0. The Rebels struggled to find their rhythm offensively, managing only two shots on goal compared to LSU’s 22. Despite the loss, Ohba’s performance in goal was a bright spot, as she made several crucial saves to keep the team in contention. The lone goal from LSU came late in the first half, leaving the Rebels with a tough task to overcome in the second half.
Scouting the Longhorns
The Texas Longhorns arrive in Oxford with a record of 7-1-2 and are looking to recover from a recent 1-0 loss to No. 24 Mississippi State. Texas boasts a potent offense, led by Lexi Missimo, who has scored seven goals and provided five assists this season. The Longhorns have demonstrated their offensive prowess by scoring 24 goals while only conceding seven, showcasing a strong defensive unit that has recorded five shutouts.
Head coach Angela Kelly, in her 13th year at Texas, has a wealth of experience, compiling a 302-159-54 record over her 25 seasons in college coaching. Her leadership has been instrumental in establishing Texas as a competitive force in the SEC.
Saddle Up for Rodeo Night
The atmosphere at the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium is set to be electric, with the theme of the night being "Rodeo Night." Fans can look forward to giveaways of powder cowboy hats while supplies last, and students can enjoy two-dollar drinks. Additionally, Club Red games will take place during halftime, adding to the festive spirit of the evening.
In the Trenches: Ole Miss Defense
The Rebels’ defensive unit has been a standout feature of their game this season. The trio of Hattie Patterson, Tate Blincoe, and Riley Friesen has been instrumental in maintaining a solid backline, each logging over 850 minutes of play. Patterson, a sophomore from Dallas, has played the full 90 minutes in nine of the 11 games this season, showcasing her stamina and commitment. Blincoe, a freshman, has quickly adapted to the collegiate level, while senior Friesen brings experience and leadership to the defense.
Spreading the Love: A Balanced Attack
One of the most exciting aspects of the Rebels’ season has been their balanced scoring attack. Ten different players have found the back of the net, with Keefer leading the way. This diversity in scoring options makes Ole Miss a challenging opponent, as defenses cannot focus solely on one or two players. In their five victories, the Rebels have consistently generated 15 or more shots, demonstrating their offensive capabilities.
SEC Freshman of the Week
Kayla Keefer has made headlines this season, earning the SEC Soccer Freshman of the Week honors shortly after her debut. Her impressive performance, including a hat trick in the opening match against Southern, has made her a player to watch. Keefer’s ability to score and create opportunities has added a new dimension to the Rebels’ attack.
Building for the Future
Head coach Molly Rouse is in her second year at the helm of the Ole Miss soccer program, and she has already made significant strides in building a competitive team. With a strong returning core and an impressive freshman class, the Rebels are poised for success. Rouse’s focus on defense has paid off, as the team has recorded multiple shutouts and limited opponents’ scoring opportunities.
Stay Connected
Fans can stay engaged with the Ole Miss soccer program by joining Rebel Rewards, the official fan loyalty program. By downloading the Ole Miss Sports mobile app, fans can earn points for attending events, which can be redeemed for exclusive prizes and experiences. For the latest updates, follow Ole Miss Soccer on social media platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram.
As the Rebels prepare to take on the Longhorns, the excitement in Oxford is palpable. With a rich history, a talented roster, and a passionate fan base, Ole Miss soccer is ready to make its mark in the SEC.