OXFORD, Mississippi - LSU (9-5-2) continued their impressive form with a commanding 4-1 victory over Ole Miss (4-7-2) on Thursday evening at the Ole Miss Soccer Stadium. The Tigers extended their winning streak to two games while handing the Rebels their second loss in three matches.
Amy Smith led the scoring with two goals for LSU, finding the net in the 34th and 88th minutes. Gabbi Ceballos opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with an assist from Ida Hermannsdottir, who later added her own goal in the 65th minute. Sarah Granno scored Ole Miss's lone goal in the 70th minute to briefly reduce the deficit.
The first half showcased LSU's attacking prowess as they dominated possession and created multiple scoring opportunities. Kelsey Major tested the Rebels' defense early with a shot in the 3rd minute. The Tigers' pressure paid off when Ceballos broke through in the 33rd minute, followed quickly by Smith's first goal. LSU outshot Ole Miss 7-3 in the opening period, with Ida Hermannsdottir particularly active in creating chances.
The second half began with both teams making tactical adjustments. Ole Miss showed more attacking intent after the break, with Katie Ramsden forcing a save from LSU goalkeeper Audur Scheving in the 79th minute. However, LSU's clinical finishing proved decisive. Hermannsdottir's goal in the 65th minute demonstrated the Tigers' superior quality in the final third. Despite Granno's response for Ole Miss, Smith's late goal, assisted by Gadea Blanco González, sealed the comprehensive victory.
The final statistics reflected LSU's dominance, as they outshot Ole Miss 16-10, with 10 shots on target compared to the Rebels' 7. The Tigers earned 4 corner kicks to Ole Miss's 3, while maintaining disciplined defense despite receiving one yellow card, shown to Jocelyn Ollivierre in the 54th minute.
Several LSU players delivered standout performances. Amy Smith's two-goal display highlighted her clinical finishing, while Ida Hermannsdottir's goal and assist demonstrated her playmaking abilities. Audur Scheving made 6 crucial saves to preserve LSU's advantage. For Ole Miss, Sarah Granno showed determination with her goal and multiple shot attempts, while Katie Ramsden created several dangerous opportunities.
LSU's tactical approach focused on controlling possession and exploiting wide areas, with effective combination play between their midfield and forwards. Ole Miss struggled to contain the Tigers' movement, particularly in transition phases. The Rebels' attempts to press higher in the second half left spaces that LSU effectively exploited.
This victory strengthens LSU's position in conference play, improving their record to 9-5-2. The Tigers have now scored eight goals in their last two matches, showing impressive offensive form. For Ole Miss, the loss continues a challenging stretch, dropping their record to 4-7-2 and highlighting areas needing improvement in their defensive organization.
LSU will look to extend their winning streak when they host Kentucky on Sunday afternoon, while Ole Miss faces a quick turnaround with a trip to Florida on Sunday. The Tigers' comprehensive performance suggests they're hitting peak form at a crucial point in the season, while the Rebels will need to regroup quickly to reverse their recent struggles.