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University of Houston Athletics
Soccer Kicks Off 2004 Season Against Rice
8/26/2004 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Aug. 26, 2004
The University of Houston women's soccer team officially kicks off its seventh season of competition in hosting cross-town rival Rice on Friday, Aug. 27 at 7:00pm at Robertson Stadium. The Cougars lead the all-time series between the two Houston schools, 2-1, and this season marks the last before Rice joins Conference USA and becomes a conference opponent in 2005. The Cougars enter the 2004 season boasting the 22nd-best recruiting class, in the nation's Central Region, according to Soccer Buzz Magazine. Houston tops the list of four Conference USA schools listed in the Top 30 and leads the pack of Memphis (No. 23), Tulane (No. 25) and Saint Louis (No. 29). The 2004 recruiting class for the Cougars features eight newcomers, comprised of four signees, two transfers and two walk-ons, including five freshman and two sophomores. Three of this year's newcomers - Ashleigh Williams (Houston, Texas), Rachel Trent (Carmel, Ind.) and Brooke Simon (Mundelein, Ill.) - each played on club teams ranked No. 12 and No. 8, respectively, last year. Last year Houston struggled offensively with only 13 goals in 18 matches. This year's incoming class, combined with the experience of team leaders and seniors Anne Gasser and Nikki Hawkins, promises to improve on the offensive front while strengthening every position. "Our younger players have a better idea of what we are trying to do and what is expected of them throughout the course of the year," said fifth-year head coach Bill Solberg. "We have added depth at almost every position this year which will help to wear teams out. When we substitute, the level of play will not drop; if anything it will get more intense. Competition for spots is going to be key." Highlighting Houston's demanding 2004 schedule are match-ups against seven Texas schools and contests against powerhouses South Carolina, UNLV and Marquette - all of which are considered among the top teams in the nation - before equally tough competition in conference play kicks off on Sept. 24 against Tulane. Last season, the Cougars posted a 3-13-2 overall record, including 1-8-1 in Conference USA play. Junior Nikki Hawkins was named to the first Team All-Conference USA, while freshman defender Nicole Zygmontowicz was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team.
