COMMERCE– The No. 11 Texas A&M University-Commerce soccer team returns to action this weekend with two matches. The Lions will host St. Mary's on Friday at 7 p.m. and will face No. 6 St. Edward's on the road on Sunday.
 
St. Mary's
WHO: No. 11 Texas A&M-Commerce (2-0, 0-0 LSC) vs. St. Mary's (2-0, 1-0 HC)
WHERE: The Lion Soccer Field in Commerce, Texas
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.
LIVE STATS: Click HERE
LIVE VIDEO: lionathletics.com/live
TICKETS: Click HERE
 
St. Edward's
WHO: No. 11 Texas A&M-Commerce (2-0, 0-0 LSC) at No. 6 St. Edward's (3-0, 1-0 HC)
WHERE: Lewis-Chen Family Field in Austin, Texas
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 10 at 1 p.m.
LIVE STATS: Click HERE
LIVE VIDEO: heartlandsports.org/watch/
 
The Lions are 2-0 after knocking off Florida Tech and Central Oklahoma in the first week of the season. Both games were grind-it-out affairs for A&M-Commerce, yet both games the Lions found a way to get wins.
 
"We are such a young team and we had two good programs coming in, we knew it would be a good test for us," said head coach Neil Piper. "Both were good games. Both were close games and made us work hard for it. It was a good lesson for the players and I'm just glad we got out of it with two wins."
 
Sophie Haywood led the Lions with two goals, both of which were game-winners. For her efforts, she was named Lone Star Conference Offensive Player of the Week. Piper said she is someone the team will rely upon throughout the season.
 
"She is one of the seniors," Piper said. "I think we are only going to go as far as she takes us. She is a good player up front. When she is on, she is tough to beat. When she gets in the game and gets some goals and some confidence, I think the future looks bright for her and the team."
 
For many of the 11 freshmen on the team, those first two contests were their first opportunity to play on the collegiate level. Piper was pleased with how well his freshmen played. He knows every player reacts differently under the lights of a true college game for the first time.
 
"It was great," he said. "It was their first college games. Quite honestly, I didn't know what to expect from them. I thought they all did well. Some of the substitutes came on and did well. I'm glad now they have a taste of what it is like. It is something that we can build on. I'm glad we got two wins and can learn from it."
 
The Lions will now face St. Mary's, who is coming off of a 4-3 win over Texas A&M-International on Tuesday. The Rattlers are also 2-0 and Piper knows the team has always played well against the Lions. He knows this year will be no different.
 
"St. Mary's has always been a tough team to play," he said. "They are usually well organized. Their coach has been there for a long time. They have always given us fits. We know what is in store for us. I don't know if the players do, but I do. We will prepare all week for them and hopefully come out on top."
 
The Lions are currently ranked No. 11 nationally and will face another top-25 team in No. 6 St. Edward's on Sunday. The Hilltoppers are undefeated to start the season, with three shutout 1-0 wins to begin the season. Piper is excited for the test of a top-ranked opponent and knows it will not be easy, especially on the road for the first time this season with a young team.
 
It will be a great test for us," he said. "You never want to look past anyone. We have St. Mary's [to worry about first]. But we have had our troubles down in Austin. It is going to be hot with a 1 p.m. kickoff. They are a good team. It is going to be a good challenge for us."
 
Tickets for Friday's match are available at WeAreLionsTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756, or by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House.