Women's Soccer | 8/9/2017 1:28:00 PM

STATESBORO, Ga. – As the preseason rolls to a close, the Eagles host two exhibition games this weekend. The Blue and White will host Jacksonville on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. and conclude the weekend with Georgia on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Due to construction at the stadium the first exhibition match against Jacksonville will be held at Beautiful Eagle Creek. Both games are free to attend.

"We're off to a very good start in the training sessions," head Coach Brian Dunleavy said. "The most important thing is getting it translated into game situations. The Jacksonville game is going to be one that we make sure we are focused on the things that we worked on and find our way in 11 v 11 with a new opponent, so for the kids that are getting time for the first time as freshman it's a good way to get them acclimated. For the older players were looking for their experience and their ability to make things happen."

The Eagles return a ton of young talent from the 2016 season. Despite losing 6 starters from last season, most of the Eagles have played and have experienced game situations. Sarah Price scored 6 goals during conference play, which tied for first in the conference. Her 6 goals accounted for more than half of the Eagles conference goals.

"Overall we went into the season prepared last season. They were two quality opponents that we played away and now we get to host both of them. Certainly some familiarity is going to help us, but big picture it was just the quality of opponents that is going to help us for the season."

The team will host two exhibition games before hosting the first two games of the season. The Eagles open up the season with Florida Gulf Coast on August 18, and again on August 20 against Gardner-Webb.

"We are opening up with two home games, so the ability for us to play games here on campus and then play games on campus again when they matter is a good consistency for us. In terms of the rhythm and flow of preseason as we go into their school year and the regular training session it's going to help them with school and not worrying about travel weariness or fatigues."

SCOUTING JACKSONVILLE
For the second consecutive year, the Eagles and Dolphins will face off in an exhibition match to start the season. The game will consist of three 30 minute periods and will begin at 5:00 p.m. at Beautiful Eagle Creek.

The Dolphins finished the 2016 season with a 4-11-1 record, after facing a tough slate of games. Miami, USF, Coastal Carolina, and Florida Gulf Coast, highlighted the Dolphins schedule. Rising senior Joelle D'Entremont played in all 16 games last season, scoring 4 of the 15 Dolphins goals. She also led the team in assists (4), points (12), and shots (54).

SCOUTING GEORGIA
On Saturday the Eagles will take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the final exhibition match of the preseason. The game will kick off at 6:00 p.m. at Eagle Field and is free to attend.
 
The Bulldogs finished the 2016 season with a 6-11-1 record. The last time the Eagles and Bulldogs met in the preseason, the game finished in a one all draw. Last season the Bulldogs were led by senior Marion Crowder, who produced 8 goals, 4 assists, 20 points, and 65 shots.
 
Georgia Southern Athletics provides current information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, which is fully responsive with any device. Information on Eagle athletics can also be found through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics and Instagram.com/GSAthletics. To purchase tickets to Georgia Southern athletics events, visit GSEagles.com/tickets.
 
In order to expedite entry and provide a safe environment for all patrons and participants, Georgia Southern Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed sporting events, effective Aug. 1, 2017. Fans can find the complete policy as well as an FAQ section at GSEagles.com/ClearBag.