Ladyjacks Compete in Purple and White Game
8/11/2017 8:24:00 PM | Women's Soccer
SFA faces Rice in an Exhibition contest on Sunday
NACOGDOCHES, Texas-- The Stephen F. Austin women's soccer team wrapped up fall camp with a spirited and competitive Purple and White game Friday evening at SFA Soccer Field on the campus of SFA, with the White squad rallying from a halftime deficit to score two second half-goals and defeat the Purple squad, 2-1. Both teams battled throughout the match while the sun and heat bore down on them, putting forth an impressive effort from all angles. The scrimmage also matched the final intra-squad action for the team, as an exhibition against Rice University looms on Sunday in Houston.
"I think at this point in camp it's always 'man we're ready to play someone else', and we're definitely at that point where we've done all we can do in intra-squad, we've maxed that out", said SFA head coach Wally Crittenden."The competitiveness intensity and the players competing to win their positions was definitely there tonight, so that was really good. The soccer decisions we were making were there, the fitness level was real good and we came out injury free, so all in all we accomplished a lot tonight."
Both sides were able to combine for some solid scoring opportunities, as the ball movement, decision making and building through each level helped move the ball forward. After combining for six shots in the first half, the two sides both created more chances in the second half, most notably in the equalizing and go-ahead goals for the White squad.
"I was pleased in the attempts and efforts made on offense tonight", said Crittenden. "The execution will get better, and I think we saw that execution get better in the second half as both teams created and got more shots on goal. We saw some really good goals, scored three goals in our Purple and White game and got some other good looks, so there were strong indicators there and once we get a game against someone else who doesn't know what we're trying to do, it'll all shake out and there will be another level of execution that we achieve."
Playing against one another in practice and in scrimmages like Friday's is helping the team to build a rapport and chemistry together that will help them to unify their efforts better against upcoming opponents, while also helping to get the team closer to a set starting lineup. Position battles have been intense in camp, as the depth of this Ladyjacks squad continues to shine through in team drills and scrimmages.
"The chemistry and comfort level of this team is real good, and as we went through our full warmup today for the first time and met those demands, we saw them turn that into something positive on the field" Crittenden adds. "When we pushed them to challenge and beat the other squad, we saw them turn in tremendous attitude, effort and physical commitment across the board."
One change from previous scrimmages and practices this fall was the addition of a hearty crowd of loyal SFA fans, who showed up in good numbers to get an initial look at the 2017 'Jacks. As the team looks ahead to the opening games of the home schedule less than a month out, fan support and presence promises to be a crucial factor in the Ladyjacks defending their home pitch this season, a point reinforced by Crittenden after Friday's game.
"To have the turnout we did from fans tonight even before students are back on campus is really special, and anytime we can have that fan support we get very excited to play" Crittenden explained. "We love our fans and thank them for coming out on a very hot afternoon, and as we get closer and closer to our home opener in September, we expect those fans to be here and be loud and create that great environment for us."
-SFA-
"I think at this point in camp it's always 'man we're ready to play someone else', and we're definitely at that point where we've done all we can do in intra-squad, we've maxed that out", said SFA head coach Wally Crittenden."The competitiveness intensity and the players competing to win their positions was definitely there tonight, so that was really good. The soccer decisions we were making were there, the fitness level was real good and we came out injury free, so all in all we accomplished a lot tonight."
Both sides were able to combine for some solid scoring opportunities, as the ball movement, decision making and building through each level helped move the ball forward. After combining for six shots in the first half, the two sides both created more chances in the second half, most notably in the equalizing and go-ahead goals for the White squad.
"I was pleased in the attempts and efforts made on offense tonight", said Crittenden. "The execution will get better, and I think we saw that execution get better in the second half as both teams created and got more shots on goal. We saw some really good goals, scored three goals in our Purple and White game and got some other good looks, so there were strong indicators there and once we get a game against someone else who doesn't know what we're trying to do, it'll all shake out and there will be another level of execution that we achieve."
Playing against one another in practice and in scrimmages like Friday's is helping the team to build a rapport and chemistry together that will help them to unify their efforts better against upcoming opponents, while also helping to get the team closer to a set starting lineup. Position battles have been intense in camp, as the depth of this Ladyjacks squad continues to shine through in team drills and scrimmages.
"The chemistry and comfort level of this team is real good, and as we went through our full warmup today for the first time and met those demands, we saw them turn that into something positive on the field" Crittenden adds. "When we pushed them to challenge and beat the other squad, we saw them turn in tremendous attitude, effort and physical commitment across the board."
One change from previous scrimmages and practices this fall was the addition of a hearty crowd of loyal SFA fans, who showed up in good numbers to get an initial look at the 2017 'Jacks. As the team looks ahead to the opening games of the home schedule less than a month out, fan support and presence promises to be a crucial factor in the Ladyjacks defending their home pitch this season, a point reinforced by Crittenden after Friday's game.
"To have the turnout we did from fans tonight even before students are back on campus is really special, and anytime we can have that fan support we get very excited to play" Crittenden explained. "We love our fans and thank them for coming out on a very hot afternoon, and as we get closer and closer to our home opener in September, we expect those fans to be here and be loud and create that great environment for us."
-SFA-
10.20.25 | Weekly Press Conference- Soccer
Monday, October 20
9.29.25 | Weekly Press Conference- Soccer
Monday, September 29
9.29.25 | Weekly Press Conference- Football
Monday, September 29
9.22.25 | Weekly Press Conference- Soccer
Monday, September 22
