University of Houston
SMU
Soccer Falls 2-1 to SMU on Sunday
10/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Oct. 5, 2008
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston soccer team wrapped up its second weekend of conference play, dropping a tough 2-1 decision to Conference USA-rival SMU at Robertson Stadium.
Sophomore Islara Rodriguez added an offensive spark off the bench in the first half, scoring her first goal of the season to give the Cougars a 1-0 lead over the Mustangs.
After battling back-and-forth through the first 40 minutes of action, Rodriguez capitalized off an SMU miscue, stealing the ball from a defender, sprinting on toward the goal and firing a shot past Mustang netminder Courtney Webb.
UH had several good scoring opportunities in the first half but could not find another goal.
In the 12th minute, freshman Jessica Zavalza found junior Nikki Echeverria who flicked the ball on to freshman Riley Canfield in front of the goal, but Canfield could only watch as she pushed her shot to the right of the goal.
The Cougars set up another quality scoring chance in the 82nd minute when Rodriguez ripped a shot from the top of the box on target but Webb made the save on the potential game-tying score.
UH outshot its opponent for the ninth time this season, taking a 14-8 edge in the match. The Cougars also took a 6-3 advantage on corner kicks.
SMU got on the scoreboard minutes into the second half, as May Logan scored her second goal of the season in the 49th minute.
Devon Herrman would put away the eventual game-winner in the 69th minute, following up her own shot and striking the rebound into the back of the net.
Houston (4-6-1, 0-3-1 C-USA) will head out on the road, leaving the state of Texas for the first time this season when it travels to face Memphis and UAB next weekend.
