University of Houston Athletics
University of Houston
ACU
PREVIEW: Soccer Travels to ACU on Thursday
8/26/2026 2:07:00 PM | Soccer
ACU host the Cougars at 7 p.m., Thursday
ABILENE, Texas — The University of Houston Soccer team hits the road to face Abilene Christian at 7 p.m., Thursday from Elmer Gray Stadium.
Watch | Stats | Game Notes
LAST TIME OUT
Houston took down Tarleton State, 4-1, on Sunday. Sophomore Bailey Cate opened the scoring in the 18th minute when she scored a goal in her second-straight game while junior Skylar Miller doubled the lead in the 51st minute with a header from juniors Jada Arthurs and Blake Hodgson.
Freshman Elle Sloan notched her first-career goal as junior Laney Gonzales served a cross into the box for Sloan to head into the net in the 61st minute.
ABOUT THE COUGARS
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The Cougars have allowed just one goal to non-conference opponents in the Ben Williams Era.Â
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With double-digit shot outputs in their first two games, the Cougars recorded double-digit shots in every non-conference game of the Ben Williams Era so far and was the sixth time with 20 or more attempts.
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Five of Houston's opponents are featured in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 — Vanderbilt (T3), West Virginia (7), UCF (14), Kansas (17), and Memphis (24).
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The Cougars face four opponents for the first time this season. Houston faces FGCU, Northwestern State, Abilene Christian and Vanderbilt for the first time in program history.Â
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Houston returns 14 players from the 2025 season including three players that missed last season due to injuries.
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Among those returning is All-Conference standout Samira Minor who earned a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team and All-Big 12 Freshman Team after leading the Cougars with six goals.Â
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The Cougars return more than 70 percent their production from last season as 24 of the team's 34 goals are back along with 62.5 percent of assists also returning.Â
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Houston welcomes 15 newcomers including eight transfers and seven freshmen.Â
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Fifth-years Ella Morgan and Morgan Donohue along with junior Casey Maddox were voted captains for the 2026 season.Â
ABOUT ABILENE CHRISTIAN
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Abilene Christian is 1-1-1 to start the season with a win against Jackson State (3-1), a loss against New Mexico State (0-1) and a tie against UTEP (0-0).
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Head Coach Stephen Salas is in his fourth season leading The Wildcats with a 16-28-14 record at Abilene Christian.
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Abilene Christian's roster is composed of 12 returners and 15 newcomers.
HISTORY WITH ABILENE CHRISTIAN
- This is the first meeting between Houston and Abilene Christian.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Soccer by purchasing tickets, providing NIL opportunities and by joining the Golden Goal Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Soccer for needs beyond its operating budget.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSoccer on X, formerly known as 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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