North Texas Daily

Faye Darku / Intern Writer

The Mean Green soccer team defeated Southern Mississippi University 4-0 Sunday afternoon at home to start Conference USA play at 2-0.

“I think it was a complete effort from us today offensively and defensively,” head coach John Hedlund said. “We kind of needed that heading into a stretch of five games on the road for conference so we wanted to make sure that we picked up both wins this weekend and see what we can do from there.”

The first goal of the game for the Mean Green (8-3, 2-0) was from freshman forward Kaylah Hunter in the 31st minute with the assist by senior defender Leah Cox.

“It feels good to score and it’s just encouraging to keep working hard,” Hunter said. “I was struggling a little bit by not playing as good as I wanted, but it gave me the confidence to just keep going where ever I’m put on the field.”

In the 42nd minute of the first half, freshman midfielder Kelci Slaughter got the second goal for the Mean Green with another assist by Leah Cox. The goal was the first of the season for Slaughter.

“It was so exciting and awesome to contribute to the team with a goal and help us get the win,” Slaughter said.

The Mean Green kept piling on and got their third goal in the 45th minute by junior forward Amber Haggerty.

Sophomore forward Rachel Holden got the Mean Green’s fourth and final goal of the contest in the 57th minute of play. It was Holden’s first goal since Aug. 25 against Oregon State University.

“She needed it,” Hedlund said. “She’s had so many shots on goal and she’s so competitive that she’s been getting a little frustrated. But it was good to see her get back to scoring.”

Next up, the Mean Green will hit the road to take on the University of Texas-El Paso on Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. That will be the beginning of five straight road games for North Texas.