Soccer Opens League Play Against Marshall on Friday
9/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Sept. 25, 2008
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston soccer team opens Conference USA play when the Cougars face the Marshall Thundering Herd at 7 p.m., Friday, in Robertson Stadium.
Houston (4-3-0) looks to rebound from a pair of tough, one-goal losses that snapped the team's season-long, four-game winning streak.
"We are looking forward to opening the conference schedule," head coach Susan Bush said. "We have the players to do well, but there is no easy game. Our goal is still to make the Conference Tournament."
The Cougars have outshot their opponent in each game this season - averaging a 17.0 to 9.9 edge per contest - but have struggled at times to find the back of the net.
"We continue to outshoot our opponents," Bush said. "But, we need to take better advantage of our scoring chances."
Senior captain Shelby Scott has been rock solid in goal for Houston. The program's all-time leader in shutouts and saves currently leads C-USA with a 0.49 goals against average and a .870 save percentage
This season, Scott has allowed only three goals in more than 551 minutes of action, logging a streak of 373 consecutive scoreless minutes.
Freshman Jessica Zavalza has provided UH with an offensive spark on the front line, leading the team with three goals just six games into her rookie campaign.
The Cougars and the Thundering Herd split the two previous meetings between the programs with Houston taking a 2-1 win at home in 2005.
Fans can log on to UHCougars.com for a complete wrap-up of Friday's game. Fans also can follow live stats from the match by clicking on the GameTracker link on the soccer team's schedule page.
Sophomore forward Erika Duncan leads Marshall with five goals and 12 points.
Following the match against the Thudering Herd, the Cougars will continue league play, hosting East Carolina at 1 p.m., Sunday, at Robertson Stadium.
