| Sophomore Ezinne Okpo netted her first goal on the season. |
DALLAS ? The UTSA soccer team fell short 2-1 at SMU in both teams season openers on Friday night at Westcott Field in Dallas.
Aftera scoreless first half, both teams combined for three goals in the secondhalf. The Mustangs jumped on the board 1-0, when senior Kimber Baileynetted her first goal of the season with 51:10 left in the secondframe. Then senior Allison Brill’s first winner of the year gave SMU a2-0 edge at the 64-minute mark.
UTSA cut the deficit to 2-1 when sophomore Ezinne Okpo connected on her first goal of the season with 66:38 remainingin the match. With less than two minutes left in the game, sophomoreVeronica Najera had a chance to tie the game, but her shot hit thecrossbar and SMU held on for the win.
Freshman Alli Dillon,Okpo, and Najera led UTSA with two shots apiece, while sophomore KasiHebert recorded six saves and junior Rachel Francis had five saves.
SophomoreKim Peabody and Bailey led SMU with six shots on the night. Brill andBailey each posted one goal apiece for the Mustangs. Junior goalieAshley Gunter made two saves, while allowing one goal. The Mustangsoutshot the Roadrunner 26-8.
UTSA returns home to host Baylorin its home opener on Tuesday, Sept. 4 at the UTSA Rec Sports Complex.The match is slated for a 7 p.m. start.