Jags look to keep streak alive at home against LSU Alexandria

The UHV men's soccer team understands how important each of its final six regular season matches are.

Thanks to a 1-0 win at Paul Quinn on Saturday, as well as losses by Louisiana Christian and Xavier (La.), the Jaguars (8-1-1, 6-1-0) are in a four-way tie for first place in the Red River Athletic Conference.

UHV has won five straight matches heading into Thursday's 3:30 p.m. tilt with LSU Alexandria (4-5-1, 3-2-1) and the Jaguars want to maintain their focus on the Generals.

"We've had a one game at a time approach to our season all year," said head coach Adrian Rigby. "Our team is focused on LSUA and we know every game we play in from this point on is crucial to achieving our goals we set in preseason."

Defense has been a key component to the Jaguars form over the last five games.

UHV has allowed an average of 0.80 goals during that time with three shutouts.

Sophomore goalkeeper Tyler Kaeppeli earned RRAC Defensive Player of the Week honors on Monday for his efforts in three matches last week. The reigning RRAC Newcomer of the Year posted nine saves with a 0.67 goals against average and two shutouts.

The Jaguars lead the conference as a team with a 0.74 goals against average and Kaeppeli's six shutouts is also at the top of the conference.

"Our team has been collectively committed to our system of play," Rigby said, "and it is a total team effort in regards to defending."

UHV got a lift in its 3-2 win over University of the Southwest thanks to Karlo Lopez's first goal of the season. It was the sixth career game-winner for the Corpus Christi native, which ranks fifth all-time for the Jaguars.

The Generals enter Thursday after a loss to Texas A&M-Texarkana on Saturday.

This will be the 11^th meeting all-time between the schools, with UHV holding a 6-3-1 advantage.

Thursday is also the Jaguars' annual Pink Out game in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.