In his first game in Tuscaloosa, coach Wes Hart and the Alabama soccer team made their home season debut in front of a large crowd at the Alabama Soccer Stadium, coming away with a 1-0 victory against the Troy Trojans.

This Friday night, they will be put to yet another test when they play at home against a tough Wake Forest Deacons team.

“We want to focus and concentrate on what we do,” Hart said. “Ultimately, we want to get numbers in the attack, we want to be able to keep possession of the ball and create shots. It’s easier said than done, but every time we step on the field that’s what we are looking to do.”

Despite having a scoreless first period on Sunday, the Crimson Tide played with aggression on the offensive side, shooting 10 shots to the Trojans’ three. Alabama only attempted three shots in the second period, including the game-winning goal by sophomore forward Alexis Mouton.

In the second period, Alabama showed its ability to stop opponents on the defensive side of the ball, focusing on stopping the Trojans’ aggressive offense. The Trojans controlled possessions for most of the second period, taking five shots with one 
on goal.

“With patience on the ball and with the ball, the goals will come,” midfielder Chatham DeProspo said. “We just have to take away from the last game confidence in our team, in each other and the game of soccer, and definitely the belief that we will get the job done one way or another.”

Wake Forest is coming off of two shutout wins, defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes 1-0 in an exhibition and a 4-0 victory against the Georgia Bulldogs in their season opener on Sunday. The Deacons’ goalkeeper Lindsay Preston finished the shutout with two saves in 76 minutes of play. They took 15 shots against the Bulldogs, with the seven shots on goal leading to four points on the board.

“We just want to stick with what we are known for which is basically our defense,” forward Emma Welch said. “Obviously, we are going to account for their goal scoring and we are going to prepare for that. We are working on defense, and we are working 
on attacking.”

Opening kick at the Alabama Soccer Stadium will begin at 7 p.m.