Soccer travels to La Tech, TCU this weekend
8/26/2010 10:29:00 AM | Soccer
The Bearkats lost 1-0 in both their matches last weekend, falling in Houston to Houston Baptist and the University of Houston.
"The loss to Houston Baptist Friday was disappointing but we were much improved Sunday night at UH," head coach Tom Brown said. "Obviously, we need to find a way to get the ball in the back of the net. We've created some chances but we have to stay focused and follow through."
Both opponents this weekend enter the contests with 1-1 record.
The Bulldogs of La Tech opened their season against two Southland Conference opponents, losing to Stephen F. Austin 2-1 and defeating Lamar 1-0. Louisiana Tech welcomes back 12 letter winners from their 2009 squad.
TCU opened its season with a 3-0 loss at Texas Tech but returned home Sunday to rout Texas Southern 7-0. The Horned Frogs return nine letter winners from last year. TCU plays host to nationally-ranked Southern California Friday before hosting the Bearkats.
The Bearkat lineup is a mix of youth and veteran players this season. Returning letter winners Paige Rodriguez, Lindsey Posner, Kirby Zak and Kayla Anderson have started in the field with Jenny Pence in goal. Freshmen who have started each of the first two matches include Carly Rheman, Gayle Ziegler, Emily Edenstrom, Tricia Mallory and Kelsi Brown.
Sam Houston comes into the weekend's action a bit short-handed with three players sidelined. Starting forward Leah Snelson was injured in the second half of the Houston game Sunday and defenders Deanna Long and Alexandra Clifton have yet to see action this season.
Brown saw a lot of positive play from the Bearkat defense as Sam Houston held a high-powered Cougar offense to just one goal Sunday.
"Our defense did a good job of closing down the space where Houston was trying to get their attacking players open," Brown said. "Jenny Pence has had back-to-back outstanding performances in goal, making some big-time saves. We're working to get better each game. The important thing is to be ready when we begin Southland Conference play at the end of September."
Sam Houston will open its home schedule on Friday night Sept. 3 when the Bearkats play host to power house North Texas. The contest will kickoff at 7 p.m. at Pritchett Field.
Starting at 6 p.m. SHSU Student Activities will get soccer season off to a great start with the Soccer Tail Gate Party at Pritchett. There will be free McKenzie's BBQ and Vitamin Water available and students and fans are welcome to bring their own tailgate "fixings." The tailgate party will be held on upper Pritchett Field.
Admission to Sam Houston women's soccer at Pritchett Field is free.
For information about tickets to other Bearkat athletic home events, go online at www.gobearkats.com or visit the Sam Houston athletic ticket office located in the Ron Mafrige Field House at Bowers Stadium. Ticket office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ticket office telephone is 936 294-1729.
