SAN MARCOS, Texas – An exceptionally physical game unfolded at the Bobcat Soccer Complex, as Texas State (1-1) edged past UTSA soccer (2-1). Despite numerous opportunities earned late in the game, UTSA couldn’t seal off the equalizer and the Roadrunners took their first loss of the 2024 season in the I-35 Showdown, falling to Texas State, 1-0.
UTSA came up on the trailing end of possession control for the first time this year, as Texas State maintained control of the ball and outshot the Roadrunners 9-5 in the first half. In the 18th minute, Texas State’s Mady Soumare caught the lip of the crossbar, ricocheting the game’s lone score down into the net.
From the 31st minute forward, UTSA also had to play shorthanded, with Jordyn Hyland issued a red card on a high kick. However, the Roadrunners heaped on the intensity in the second half. The Roadrunners gained the shot advantage in the second half, 8-4, forcing Caitlyn Draper into four of her five saves. Kameron Kloza nearly capitalized on UTSA’s best opportunity down the stretch, nearly punching in a goal on a 71st-minute header – poked away at the last second by Draper.
Izzy Lane led the Roadrunners with four shots, while Jordan Walker tallied three – with two on-target chances.
Goals
TXST: Mady Soumare (18’)
UTSA: None
Quoting Coach Derek Pittman
"Any time you drop a game, regardless of the circumstances, it hurts. But I’m extremely proud of the character and the grit and the toughness that they showed. I thought we were the better team whistle-to-whistle. We made an error and they punished us for it, but we continued to stick to our game plan and created more chances in the second half – even a player down. I thought our players were absolutely brilliant tonight, and that’s what we’re going to take from this. We can do it up against the most difficult circumstances, on the road in a tough setting, and still fight and claw and scratch for every inch.”
Up Next
UTSA is back this weekend at Park West for the first time since the season opener. The Roadrunners are hosting St. Mary’s on Sunday, Aug. 25, kicking off against the Rattlers at 7 p.m.
- UTSA -