COMMERCE– The Texas A&M University-Commerce soccer team will host its home opening match on Thursday, with a match against Ouachita Baptist.
 
Game 1: A&M-Commerce (1-0-1) vs. Ouachita Baptist (1-1-0)
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
 
Game 2: A&M-Commerce vs. Emporia State (1-1-0)
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15 at Noon
 
WHERE: The Lion Soccer Field in Commerce, Texas
LIVE STATS: Click HERE
LIVE VIDEO: http://lonestarconferencenetwork.com/commerce
TICKETS: Click HERE
 
The Lions are coming off of a undefeated first week of road play, earning a 0-0 draw against Westminster on Thursday and a 3-0 win over Northwestern Oklahoma State on Monday. Head coach Neil Piper liked his team's resolve after their first week of action.
 
"From a results standpoint, it was great," Piper said. "It was two tough road trips. I purposely put our team in adverse conditions to see how they would react and they did a good job. We flew out to Salt Lake and played the same day. Then we drove six hours to Alva to play the same day and got a good result. I'm thrilled with the results, but our performances haven't been great yet. We are still trying to find our niche. Hopefully we keep getting better."
 
It was a full defensive effort from the Lions, as the team held both their opponents off the scoreboard. Goalkeeper Jen Peters saved all 16 shots she faced on goal, earning the LSC Goalkeeper of the Week award. Piper was proud of his team's defense.
 
"I think we gave up 70 shots in the first two games," Piper joked. "The defenders did well. They weren't all great shots, and that's from good defending. The ones that did get through, Peters was fantastic. She made some of the best saves I've seen here in a few years. I was thrilled with her performance. Everyone did well, just going forward, we are still not there yet."
 
After a scoreless tie to begin the season, the Lion offense found a rhythm in the second game, pushing in three goals. Piper liked seeing his team find a little offense, and hopes the team continues to improve on that end as well.
 
"It's easier once you get a few goals behind you to go forward," Piper said of the offense on Monday. "You aren't as worried about giving up as much. We played much better in that second half and won more balls in the air. We played a little bit more direct and kept it down on their end more. But with that said, those were two tough games and we were thrilled to get of there without a loss."
 
The Lions now prepare for their home opener. After a 2018 season filled with multiple rainouts and home games away from the Lion Soccer Field, Piper is thrilled to be playing back on the team's true field for the first time in almost a full calendar year. He is looking forward to two good matches at home in front of the Lion faithful.
 
"It's great," he said of being back on their home field. "I don't think we've lost a home night match since 2015. We just need more of those I guess. I'm excited. We only had one night match here last year. I'm just glad to be back at our field. The two fields we've played on so far are a lot heavier than ours. We've had altitude and wind. I'm hoping for a nice night and a nice field. We'll see how we do."
 
Season tickets for all nine of the Lion's home matches are available for purchase at WeAreLionsTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756 , by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House during business hours. Single game tickets are also available for purchase at the gates of the Lion Soccer Field.