The University of North Texas soccer squad is set to embark on its first true road test, traveling to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to meet McNeese State on Sunday afternoon. The Mean Green, now led by former assistant Alexsis Cable, will step onto the field with a 3‑0 start to the season and a perfect 4‑0 record against the Cowboys.
A Reunion of Coaches
Alexsis Cable, who once served as an assistant under head coach John Hedlund, returns to Lake Charles as the opposing head coach. Cable’s first meeting with Hedlund as rivals adds a personal narrative to a series that has favored UNT for nearly three decades.
The historical context is striking: UNT has outscored McNeese 19‑1 across four meetings, including a 6‑1 victory in 1997 that took place in the same city. Last season the Mean Green posted a 4‑0 win in Denton, extending their dominance and setting a high bar for the upcoming clash.
Current Form and Key Moments
Under Cable’s guidance, the Cowgirls have opened the campaign with three straight wins, showcasing a balanced attack and a defensive unit that has kept opponents at bay. The most recent outing saw Claire Niedermeier find the back of the net in the 61st minute, the goal set up by Payton Annis’s shot that was deflected by the ULM keeper in a physical earlier match.
The game is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. local time, marking the second encounter between the programs in Lake Charles. With both teams eager to assert early-season momentum, the match promises a blend of tactical nuance and emotional intensity, especially as former colleagues now stand on opposite sidelines.