BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University soccer program will kick off the hybrid 2020 season on Friday, February 12^th at the LU Soccer Complex as they welcome Southeastern Louisiana to the pitch. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. CT.

The Cardinals return a loaded roster for the 2020 season, led by 2019 SLC Newcomer of the Year redshirt senior Esther Okoronkwo. Lamar returns 75% of minutes played last year with senior Sophia Manibo leading the way as she tallied 2005 minutes in 2019.

Lamar will look to capture their third Southland title in four years in the hybrid 2020 season after going 16-7 overall and 10-1 in conference play during the 2019 season. The Cards captured played one contest in the fall and captured a 1-0 win at Texas State on September 11, 2020.
 
The LU Soccer Complex will have limited attendance for home contests during the 2020 season. For more information on the policy, please click here.

LAST TIME OUT: The Cardinals played their lone contest of the fall at Texas State and came away with a 1-0 win over the Bobcats. Okoronkwo scored the lone goal for the Cards and goalkeeper Nicole Panis made her Cardinal debut, saving four shots along the way.

SERIES HISTORY: This will be the 16^th meeting between the programs with Lamar holding a 8-5-2 series advantage over the Lions. Last meeting between the programs involved a lengthy weather delay and a barrage of goals with the Cardinals coming out on top, 5-3, over Southeastern.

NEW YEAR, NEW TEAM: Lamar welcomed a signing class of seven that includes two true freshman and four transfers -- NAIA All-American Nicole Panis from the University of the Cumberlands, Abby Gemza from Austin Peay, Christine Kitaru from Coffeyville CC and Sarah Zimmer from St. Thomas (TX) – that look to make an immediate impact on this season.

SCOUTING SE LOUISIANA: The Lions are making their first appearance on the pitch of the hybrid season. SE Louisiana returns 22 players from the 2019 squad including eight newcomers. The Lions also return their top two goal scorers in Ellie Williams and Mya Guillory.

UP NEXT: The Cardinals will have a week off before travelling to Abilene Christian to take on the Wildcats on Friday, February 19^th with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. CT.