HOUSTON – It was a gritty and physical game under mostly cloudy skies on Thursday at the Carl Lewis International Complex, as Houston (2-2-1) was able to hold off UTSA soccer (3-2), as the teams battled to a 2-1 decision for the Cougars.
Beginning with a solid Sophie Morrin blast on keeper Olivia Dietrich in the third minute, the Roadrunners posted the most on-target shots of the year – with 15-of-19 shots going on goal for the Roadrunners against the Cougars.
Sophomore midfielder Michelle Polo led the attack with a career-high five shots and four on goal, ahead of senior Jordan Walker with three attempts and two on target. There were shots from 10 different Roadrunners and in the process, Dietrich registered 14 saves for UH.
The Cougars also delivered on shooting volume and midfielder Aryanna Jimison finished with a strong performance. Jimison scored late in the first half on a breakaway through the UTSA defense and extended the UH lead to 2-0 by netting a second score in the 67th minute.
The Roadrunners remained aggressive on the attack and evened the score in the 81st minute, as Jordan Walker and Bri Carrigan traded passes to set Carrigan for her first career goal, beating Dietrich to end the shutout. However, the Cougars managed to hold off the Roadrunners as time expired in the 2-1 UTSA road loss.
Goals
UTSA: Bri Carrigan (81’)
UH: Aryanna Jimison (38’, 67’)
Quoting Coach Derek Pittman
"Really proud of our team and thought we dominated play for large portions of the second half. The bottom line is that they had five shots on goal and scored two, we had 15 shots on goal and scored only one. I’m proud of the chances we’re creating, proud of the toughness and quality that we’re continuing to produce – and it is getting better. We just have to stick with it and we’re going to keep coming around as we head toward conference play.”
UP NEXT: It’s International Day on Sunday at Park West, as former Texas assistant Keeley Hagen brings her Colorado State Rams to San Antonio for the first meeting between the programs. Kickoff on Sept. 1 is set for 1 p.m. at Park West. The Rams have now won three straight, including Thursday’s 2-1 win at Texas State.
- UTSA -