JONESBORO, Ark. - The Jackson State soccer program found some momentum Thursday afternoon despite falling to Arkansas State for the teams fourth straight loss of the season. 

The Tigers fell 6-1, but there was a different feel to this game than the first three games played thus far.  "Again, not the result we wanted, but it felt like a big step forward from us" said head coach Dr. Ted Flogaites, "Our attitude and energy were markedly improved and I'm not going to say we've turned a corner but it sure feels like we are close. The locker room was rocking before the match."

JSU has had to persevere through arguably one of the toughest non-conference schedules out of the SWAC and they'll gear up for the final four non-conference games of the season before starting conference play.

The team has grown up throughout the early goings of the season even while facing the adversity of tougher competition and injuries. "We've dealt admirably with a lot of intangible variables that have been thrown at us and today I felt we were a credit to the JSU Jersey. We had a lot of courageous performances today considering some of the existing injuries we went into the match with. Credit to Arkansas State and Coach Dooley for their win."

While a lot of teams would cave to the competition and accept defeat after four straight losses to open the season, the Lady Tigers continue to build trust in one another and accept this time as a time for growth for the betterment of the program. "We are a hungry group and we're becoming dangerous which I like a lot. If doubt and belief can't live in the same house, we kicked doubt out today."

The Tigers might have lost on the scoreboard, but the Blue and White found the back of the net for the first time all season, off the foot of Patricia Calderon, against a team that is highly competitive out of the Sun Belt Conference. Tanagna Payne was accredited with the assist on the goal. 

"Patti's goal was well taken, a bomb from distance, and I'm happy for her and happy for our team that there's been progress today."

The goal was a sign of things to come for the Tigers as they continue to lay the foundation of the program under first year head coach Dr. Ted Flogaites. 

"Programs don't get built in a week, we are laying down the future not for immediate success but for sustained excellence."

The Tigers will return home for the season opening home match of the season versus the Northwestern State Lady Demons on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m.

SOCIAL MEDIA

For more soccer information and updates please follow the Tigers on Twitter at @GoJSUTigersSOC, Facebook at Jackson State Soccer, @gojsutigerssoc on Instagram. You can also follow head coach Ted Flogaites on Twitter @flogaites