Soccer Begins 2005 Season with Two Games This Weekend

Aug. 24, 2005

HOUSTON - It will be the start of a busy weekend for the University of Houston soccer team as the Cougars begin their 2005 season. The Cougars kick off the season at Baylor at 7 p.m., Friday. UH closes out the weekend at 1 p.m., Sunday against Nicholls State in their home opener at Robertson Stadium.

The Cougars start the season with a great opportunity against a Big 12 team in Baylor which head coach Bill Solberg calls "a huge test."

Solberg is making it very clear to the team and its fans that work ethic is a huge priority when it comes to success on the field.

"Our goal is to outwork every team that we play this year," Solberg said. "If we do that, I think we will be in every game."

Fans can track the progress of Friday's game against Baylor by clicking on the Gametracker link on the main page of UHCougars.com.

Also, fans can purchase season tickets or single-game tickets by calling 713-GO-COOGS or by visiting the tickets link on UHCougars.com. UH students can get in free by showing their Cougar1 Card.

In their only previous meeting, the Cougars fell to Baylor 2-0 on Sept 5, 2003. Sunday will mark the first-ever encounter between Houston and Nicholls State.

"Both teams will challenge us," Solberg said. "Each of them wants to be in the win column immediately. The fact that Friday's game is Baylor's home opener will put more pressure on us."

Junior Sarah Fisher returns to this year's squad after pacing the Cougars with a team-high six assists and tied for second on the squad, tallying four goals. Fisher was also one of only three players to start all 19 games last season for UH.

Houston brings in 12 newcomers to this year's squad, including freshman forward/midfielder Courtney Gaines and junior midfielder Sophia Mundy, who should both contribute immediately.

"The middle of the field is a very strong area for us." Solberg said. "Mundy, Gaines and Fisher provide a lot of depth for us at that position."

Highlighting the 2005 schedule are eight games against in-state rivals, including new Conference USA members Rice and UTEP, which Houston hosts on October 14 and October 21, respectively.

Houston will take on Conference USA newcomers Marshall at home on September 30, and UCF in Orlando, Fla, on Sunday, October 30.

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