University of Houston
Temple
Houston Tops Temple
4/2/2021 3:30:00 PM | Soccer
Cougars pounce to early lead and never relinquish
HOUSTON – A pair of first-half goals set the pace as the Houston soccer team defeated the Temple Owls 3-0 on Friday afternoon at the Carl Lewis International Complex.
An all-around performance, Houston (5-4-1, 2-4-0 AAC) led Temple (4-5-1, 2-5-1) in nearly early major statistical category. The Cougars had advantages in shots, shots on goal, and corner kicks as they put the pressure on the Owls.
Both Madison Gear and Caitlyn Matthews scored their first goals of the season in the first half to provide a commanding 2-0 lead at the break. It marked Matthews' first career goal and the third for Gear in her two seasons at Houston. Gear was also credited the assist on Matthew's score.
With an assist on Gear's goal, Brascia notches her 14th career assist to cement her place in second across Cougars' history.
Jazmin Grant tacked on an insurance goal in the second half with her fifth goal of the season. With the goal, Grant now has 19 in her career to tie Kristen Hogan for third in program history. Her 49 points are also third in the record books while her three shots and shots on goal put her in sixth-place for both categories.
Three goals on Friday bring the team's total up to 21, only two less than they had last season in a full 20-game season.
In net, Mikaela Gracia made her second career collegiate start and first since the beginning of February. The freshman from Mansfield, Texas, made four saves on the afternoon to bring her career total up to five.
The backline continued their stellar play as the team earned its fourth shutout of the year. They've also blanked two other opponents through regulation before surrendering the overtime winner.
UP NEXT
SMU comes to town for a midweek matinee on April 7 at 3 p.m. CT. The regular season will conclude against UCF on April 11 in Orlando.
STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Soccer on Twitter and Instagram at @UHCougarSoccer, and "Like" UHCougarSoccer on Facebook.
JOIN THE COUGAR RESERVES
Fans can help support the Houston Soccer program by joining the Cougar Reserves. To find out more information about the Cougar Reserves Club, click here or call Cougar Pride at (713) 743-GoUH.
– UHCougars.com –
