Cougars Fall on Opening Night

HOUSTON – The University of Houston Soccer program fell in its home opener in a 3-0 defeat to Baylor Thursday night at the Carl Lewis International Complex. Despite the loss, the Houston Soccer team drew the third largest attendance in program history with 1,006 fans in the stands.

The Cougars (1-2-1) came into the game Thursday after a four-game road stretch to start the season. Baylor (2-2-1) had an aggressive start as it applied pressure up top and created several scoring opportunities early.

Baylor's Hallie Augustin found the back of the net off of a header supplying the first score of the game in the eighth minute as the Bears took a 1-0 lead. The Cougars countered with five attacks in the next 20 minutes as back-to-back shots by midfielder Samantha Wiehe forced two saves to hold the deficit at one.

The Bears' Ashley Merrill capitalized on another corner kick as a second header by Baylor went into the net marking a 2-0 Baylor lead in the 28^th minute. Houston produced two more scoring chances before the break but headed into the locker room down two goals despite outshooting Baylor 7-4 in the first half.

Entering the second half, the Cougars pushed on the attack and provided a strong start. In the opening 16 minutes of the second half, the Cougars were knocking on the door posting four shots and forced Baylor's goalkeeper to four saves.

On the counter, a shot from Baylor's Maddie Algya outside the 18-yard box on the right side squeezed into the net to increase the Bears' lead to 3-0 in the 62^nd minute. The Cougars continued to fight back while holding off the Baylor attack as both sides produced four shots each in the last half hour of play.

Houston posted 15 shots with 10 on goal as Wiehe led the side with four shots to her name. Goalkeeper Haley Woodward recorded three saves on seven shots while defender Alex Whitcraft produced a goal line team save in the first half.

UP NEXT
The Cougars continue at home at 7 p.m. CT, Sunday against Rice at the Carl Lewis International Complex for Houston Youth Day.

All kids (12 and under) will receive free admission with their youth jerseys as well as free popsicles. Fans are invited to stick around after the game for an autograph signing with select Houston Soccer student-athletes.

TICKETS
Students will now be able to claim two tickets at no cost to all home soccer matches. Students can claim their tickets by presenting their student IDs at the gate.

Fans can purchase single-game tickets by clicking here, or by visiting the ticket office. Mobile tickets can also be purchased at game time at the ticket booth located at Schroeder Park (baseball), adjacent to the Carl Lewis International Complex. For more information on how to purchase tickets, call 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647).

SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023.

Click here to rise and be counted.

JOIN the COUGAR RESERVES
Fans are invited to join the Cougar Reserves to support Houston Soccer. Cougar Reserves members provide financial support directly to Houston Soccer for needs beyond the program's operating budget.

For more information about levels of giving and benefits, fans can click here.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSoccer on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at UHCougarSoccer or on the team's Instagram page at @uhcougarsoccer.

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Samantha Wiehe

Caitlyn Matthews

Janna Singleton

Maddie Bowers

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Alex Whitcraft

Samantha Wiehe

Haley Woodward

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