SAN ANTONIO – Paced by goals from freshmen Sophie Morrin (29') and Brittany Holden (34'), the UTSA soccer team kicked off competition in the American Athletic Conference era with a victory, as the Roadrunners downed Texas A&M – Corpus Christi in exhibition play on Sunday night at the Park West Athletic Complex.
UTSA came out firing in the first of three 30-minute periods, outshooting the Islanders 6-1 in the opening frame. After several close calls became saves, UTSA played down the right flank and found Sabrina Hillyer, getting the ball across to Maci Geltmeier, who laid it off to Morrin for a cross on the finish and the goal in the 29th minute.
Going into the first break with the advantage, the Roadrunners were quick to double-up in the second period. Off the throw-in into the box, Marlee Fray held the defender off, making space for Holden to one-time finish it underneath the goalkeeper in the 34th minute.
After possession was held in their half of the field for over 80 percent of the first period, TAMU-CC began to make some offensive moves with UTSA's starters off the field, making things interesting with a quick counter goal off a corner kick in the 36th minute that narrowed the Roadrunners lead to 2-1.
However, the third period's momentum reverted to the Roadrunners, who outshot the Islanders 5-1 in the final frame. Despite not expanding their lead, UTSA was able to maintain the advantage to claim the exhibition victory.
Working a heavy rotation in their first outing of the season, the Roadrunners were able to get game action for all 26 available players. UTSA took 16 shots to TAMU-CC's five, while the Islanders registered 10 saves to the Roadrunners' three.
Goals
UTSA: Sophie Morrin (29'), Brittany Holden (34')
TAMU-CC: Molly Arens (36')
Quoting Coach Derek Pittman
"To be able to get some of our young players into their first college game is just a tremendous experience for them. It can be an eye-opening experience, but I thought our players handled themselves very well and came out and controlled the vast majority of the game. First and foremost, it's about getting bodies on the field and to see what kind of growth and experience we can have while we're out there.
"Overall, as a first exhibition six days into preseason, we're really pleased with where our team is at. We'll go back, watch a lot of film over the next few days and get better and ready for next Saturday night."
Up Next
The Roadrunners will be back at Park West next Saturday, August 12, as they host cross-town foe Incarnate Word in their second and final exhibition match. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Park West. The regular season opens up on Thursday, August 17, with Central Arkansas coming to Park West for a 7 p.m. kickoff in the seventh meeting of the series.
- UTSA -
