University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Sunday, August 24
Lafayette
7 p.m.
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
3
vs
0
McNeese
Cajuns Pull Away Late in 3-0 Win Over McNeese
8/24/2025 11:07:00 PM | Soccer
Three Cajuns scored in the win over their in-state rival
LAFAYETTE - From start to finish the Louisiana soccer team was in complete control in a 3-0 victory over McNeese on Sunday at the Home Bank Soccer and Track Complex. The Ragin' Cajuns got goals from three different scorers while the defense posted its first shutout of the season.
"We had some great chances Thursday night (at Louisiana Tech), and there was nothing that we really needed to change," said head coach Chris McBride, who picked up his 50th win as a head coach on Sunday. "The lead-up to this game was about us, and that if we persevered and did what we needed to do, it would show up on the scoreboard. Scoring two goals in the last 10 minutes, that's perseverance."
The Cajuns once again controlled the pace early set the tone on the offensive end. Sisley Stephens was active early, with three shots, including a pair on goal. In the 25th minute, it was Salma Elhaimer who got the Ragin' Cajuns on the board with her second goal of the season.
"We did really good as a team on Thursday, but we were just two steps ahead or two steps behind," said Elhaimer, who scored seven goals in three seasons at McNeese. "Coming into this game, it was about making the little decisions inside the six and inside the 18, and it definitely helped lead to my goal. All the other girls applied it to their game, and it helped our offense a lot."
Louisiana took that lead into the locker room, allowing just one shot. The Cajuns controlled the ball for much of the second half but really turned it up in the final 10 minutes. Briana Henry doubled the lead with her right foot in the 82nd minute before Maiya Clark scored her first goal as a Cajun in the 88th minute to put the game out of reach.
"We've been winning high balls from our press and it's translated into offensive pressure," said Sophia Moore, who assisted on Elhaimer's first-half goal. "Our forwards have been practicing together, and we're very versatile. This game comes down to executing, and I think we did that very well tonight."
Louisiana has gotten a balanced offense this season with six different goal scorers, with Elhaimer leading the way with two.
"We can score in many different ways," said Elhaimer. "Whether it's from a cross, a set piece, or driving into the box and shooting, we're so diverse as a group. Against any team, we're always going to have some sort of offense, and it brings us a lot of confidence in that aspect."
The Ragin' Cajuns are back on the road on Thursday when they take on UTRGV.
FOLLOW THE CAJUNS
Fans are encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin' Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here for iOS/Apple platforms and here for Android platforms.
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter (@RaginCajunsSoc), Facebook (Ragin' Cajuns Soc) or Instagram (@RaginCajunsSoc) to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Soccer.
"We had some great chances Thursday night (at Louisiana Tech), and there was nothing that we really needed to change," said head coach Chris McBride, who picked up his 50th win as a head coach on Sunday. "The lead-up to this game was about us, and that if we persevered and did what we needed to do, it would show up on the scoreboard. Scoring two goals in the last 10 minutes, that's perseverance."
The Cajuns once again controlled the pace early set the tone on the offensive end. Sisley Stephens was active early, with three shots, including a pair on goal. In the 25th minute, it was Salma Elhaimer who got the Ragin' Cajuns on the board with her second goal of the season.
"We did really good as a team on Thursday, but we were just two steps ahead or two steps behind," said Elhaimer, who scored seven goals in three seasons at McNeese. "Coming into this game, it was about making the little decisions inside the six and inside the 18, and it definitely helped lead to my goal. All the other girls applied it to their game, and it helped our offense a lot."
Louisiana took that lead into the locker room, allowing just one shot. The Cajuns controlled the ball for much of the second half but really turned it up in the final 10 minutes. Briana Henry doubled the lead with her right foot in the 82nd minute before Maiya Clark scored her first goal as a Cajun in the 88th minute to put the game out of reach.
"We've been winning high balls from our press and it's translated into offensive pressure," said Sophia Moore, who assisted on Elhaimer's first-half goal. "Our forwards have been practicing together, and we're very versatile. This game comes down to executing, and I think we did that very well tonight."
Louisiana has gotten a balanced offense this season with six different goal scorers, with Elhaimer leading the way with two.
"We can score in many different ways," said Elhaimer. "Whether it's from a cross, a set piece, or driving into the box and shooting, we're so diverse as a group. Against any team, we're always going to have some sort of offense, and it brings us a lot of confidence in that aspect."
The Ragin' Cajuns are back on the road on Thursday when they take on UTRGV.
FOLLOW THE CAJUNS
Fans are encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin' Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here for iOS/Apple platforms and here for Android platforms.
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter (@RaginCajunsSoc), Facebook (Ragin' Cajuns Soc) or Instagram (@RaginCajunsSoc) to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns Soccer.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Soccer
F
/ Soccer
F
/ Soccer
M/F
/ Soccer
M
/ SoccerChris McBride Media Availability (Oct 27, 2025)
Monday, October 27
Chris McBride Media Availability (Oct 20, 2025)
Monday, October 20
Chris McBride Media Avialbility (Oct 13, 2025)
Monday, October 13
Chris McBride Media Availability (Oct 6, 2025)
Monday, October 06
