University of Houston
No. 19/20 USF
Cougars Drop 2-0 Decision to No.19/20 USF
10/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
HOUSTON â€" The Houston Cougar women's soccer team dropped a hard-fought 2-0 decision to No. 19/20 USF in the first of two weekend games at Carl Lewis Field, on Thursday.
Houston collected a pair of saves from senior goalkeeper Jordan Brown, and had shots on goal from seniors Lexa Green (2), and Gabby Rodriguez as well as from sophomore Kristina Schulz and Vanessa Almaguer. The Cougars outshot the Bulls 7-4 in the second half and put more shots on goal than the Bulls by a margin of 5-2.
"This game was about seeing how far we have come from last season," Head Coach Chris Pfau said. "USF is one of the top teams in the country with not only great soccer players but great athletes. Last year we were never in the game and just defended for 90 minutes. When we did get the ball we panicked and just gave it away. I was proud of this team, and it is amazing how far we have come. For the most part we matched their intensity, but also did some great things with the ball. We created some good chances especially in the second half, but to be able to not just be out there with one of the best teams, but to actually play and create was fun to watch. Our players are finally enjoying playing and embracing these games instead of playing scared."
USF struck quickly in the first half and found the back of the net in the sixth minute. Leticia Skeete and Olivia Chance passed back-and-forth between each other, before Skeete was able to finish with a strike in the right side.
"This is a hard stretch for us playing three nationally ranked teams," Pfau said. "This will continue to push us and challenge us and make us better. I have been happy with the effort in every conference game we have played. We have played for 90 minutes, been in every game and have had a commitment to each other."
Skeete and USF would add another goal in the second half, again striking quickly and scoring in the 47th minute. Skeete was played all alone into the middle of the box by Diana Saenz before driving the ball into the net. After her pair of goals in the contest, Skeete now has five scores on the season.
"I said this after Tulsa, but the difference with these teams is not only that they are established with veterans, but they also have depth," Pfau said. "But now you can see that we have really closed the gap with these teams. The coaching staff sees this, but the big thing is the players are starting to see this and are excited to play."
UP NEXT FOR HOUSTON
The Cougars wrap up the home portion of their 2015 season when they play host to UCF on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. Sunday's match will be Houston's senior day, and the squad will honor its six seniors, Jordan Brown, Hailey Kirkwood, Lexa Green, Sydnie Green, Gabby Rodriguez and Meghan Brascia as part of pregame festivities.
2015 SHASTA PASS
The Houston Fan Experience Headquarters is proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2015-16 athletic season. For just $50, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Soccer, Women's Basketball, Volleyball and Softball home games.
The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial savings as single-game tickets start at $8 for all four sports. Fans can save $126 alone during the Houston Volleyball and Soccer seasons. To purchase a Shasta Pass, CLICK HERE.
SINGLE GAME TICKETS
Single game tickets are on sale starting at just $8 for general admission. Faculty/Staff and H-Association member's admission is discounted to $6, while youth tickets (Ages 3-High School) are $5.
STAY CONNECTED
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