AUSTIN, Texas – UTSA soccer closed off its preseason on Friday night at Mike A. Myers Stadium, squaring up with 19th-ranked Texas in the Roadrunners’ final exhibition match of the season. In the final tune-up, all 23 players traveling earned playing time against the Longhorns, including all three goalkeepers, as Texas pulled out the 2-0 result.
The Roadrunners were competitive across the board and extended their trademark pressure onto the defending SEC-Champion Longhorns, especially in the second of three periods when Texas got just two shots off. Near the end of the second period, Rylee Miller almost knotted the score with a midfield free kick that banked off the crossbar. Leah Varela also had another close on-target attempt in the first period, while leading UTSA with three shots on the night.
As both teams worked through their rotations on Friday night, Texas was able to score in the 36th minute, and added a second goal off a 62nd-minute penalty kick.
Both squads made the most of their offensive attempts, with Texas leading the 13-7 shot differential.
Goals
UTSA: None
UT: Olivia Ahern (36’), Amalia Villarreal (62’)
Quoting Coach Derek Pittman
"We came here to put our best foot forward and showcase our qualities, and I think the team did a phenomenal job of that tonight. Texas is a fantastic team and the coaching staff does a really good job – they’re ranked in the top 20 for a reason. Our players knew we were going to have to put in a collective effort. We wanted to press them, we wanted to attack, we wanted to be physical and show our competitive toughness – I believe we ticked the box in every one of those categories. We’ll continue to learn from it and get better leading into our season opener.”
Up Next
The Roadrunners’ 20th season officially kicks off at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14 at Park West against Houston. Season tickets are on sale now and all UTSA Soccer season tickets are general admission. Season tickets are $65. For an additional $35 at time of purchase (a total price of $100), season-ticket members will receive a limited-edition UTSA Soccer 20th Season scarf and also will be invited to exclusive chalk-talks with head coach Derek Pittman and his staff before select home games.
To purchase season tickets, click here to order online or call the UTSA Athletics Ticket Office at 210-458-8872 during normal business hours.
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