SAN ANTONIO — Senior Laurel Dierking’s goal in the 17th minute propelled the UTSA women’s soccer team to a 1-0 win against I-35 rival Texas State on Friday night in the Southland Conference opener for both teams. The Roadrunners (6-5, 1-0 SLC) handed the Bobcats (6-5, 0-1 SLC) their first Southland loss in nearly three years.
The win also snapped a two-game UTSA losing streak and gave the Roadrunners their first win over Texas State in the Alamo City. The Bobcats last lost in conference contest on Nov. 2, 2007, a span of 19 matches.
After several back-and-forth minutes to open the match, junior Jodi Leroy took a pass from freshman Maria Jose Rojas and led Dierking to the right side. Dierking dribbled around a Texas State defender in open space and beat Bobcats goalie Lauren Frazier for what proved to be the game-winning score. The winner was her fourth of the season.
Texas State had scoring opportunities in the second half, out-shooting the Roadrunners 8-1, but UTSA goalie Dacia Webb made three saves.
Taylor Person and Sydney Curry provided Texas State’s best scoring chances in the half. In the 58th minute, Person’s shot went wide while Curry’s wide open attempt went over the goal.
From there, freshman Anka Grotle and the UTSA defense held the Bobcats in check. Britney Curry, who entered the match ranking in the nation’s top-20 in goals per game, was held to two shots for the match with just one shot on goal.
The Roadrunners will be back in action at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8 as they face Northwestern State at the Recreational Sports Complex.
