BOCA RATON, Fla, – It was another milestone night for the UTSA soccer team (5-2-2) on Thursday night at the FAU Soccer Stadium, scoring the first and final goals of the night to defeat Florida Atlantic (2-6-1) on the road in the Roadrunners’ first conference opener victory since 2016 – notching the first on the road in a conference opener since 2010. Securing UTSA’s third straight win, a pair of putback goals from senior midfielder Zoё May and redshirt sophomore defender Aaliyaiah Durden put things away for the Roadrunners’ 2-1 triumph over the Owls.
UTSA wasted little time touching the scoreboard as the second minute brought a free kick from redshirt freshman Leah Varela that set the table for the Roadrunners. Taking Varela’s service, freshman Brooklyn Bailey landed a header, but FAU goalkeeper Ashley Small was able to save the initial volley. However, May was crashing in perfect position to drive the deflection into the back of the net for her third goal of the year.
The game quickly settled while the Roadrunners and Owls traded shots throughout the first half and UTSA carried the 1-0 advantage into the break. Each team only got one second-half shot off into the 59th minute, but FAU’s landed heavy, as Stella Rubidoux delivered a long service from 20 yards to find Madison Micioni for a high header on the backside game-tying goal.
The Roadrunners quickened their attacks and raised the pressure on the Owls, firing off three fresh shots in the next three minutes. For the second time on the night, a set piece delivered for the Roadrunners out of the scramble. May was blocked on her initial attack off the service from redshirt freshman Brooke Viccars, but tracked down the ball, planted and launched a high-arching cross to Durden for a header on the left side of the goal in the 82nd minute – the gamewinner for her second goal of the season.
May led the Roadrunners with three shots, notching both a goal and an assist, while both Bailey and Durden each attempted two – gathering an assist and a goal, respectively.
Goals
UTSA: Zoё May (2’) Aaliyaiah Durden (82’)
FAU: Madison Micioni (59’)
Quoting Coach Derek Pittman
“I’m really proud of how our group competed tonight. Getting a 2-1 win on the road at FAU to start American Conference play is a big step for us, and it’s the first time since 2016 that we’ve opened league play with a victory. The team showed resilience and executed well in key moments, and this gives us a strong foundation to build on moving forward.”
UP NEXT: The Roadrunners return to San Antonio and welcome their first BYE of the season on Sunday. Returning to action next Thursday at home against North Texas on Sept. 18, UTSA will celebrate the program’s 20th season and aim to break the program’s all-time attendance record of 1,397 set against Central Arkansas in 2023. North Texas is 4-5 after a 1-3 setback Thursday at Army West Point and will face NJIT on Saturday in Newark before returning to Texas.
- UTSA -