Bearkat Soccer Ready for First Road Test
8/29/2013 1:06:00 PM | Soccer
Coming off of an opening weekend win, the Sam Houston soccer team will hit the road to play Texas-San Antonio (0-2) and South Dakota State (0-2) as part of the UTSA Classic.
The Bearkats are riding high after scoring six goals in their win over Texas Southern Sunday, which is half as many goals as they scored in all of last season. UTSA and South Dakota State each suffered a pair of losses in their opening weekend of play.
“We're looking forward to the weekend. We think it will be a good test for us as we prepare for the Southland season,” said Bearkat head coach Tom Brown. “We have a known opponent in UTSA that's got a quality team and we get to play South Dakota State, a team we don't normally face. It's always exciting for the players to play someone that's not a normal foe.”
Five different Bearkats got on the score sheet, midfielder Mariah Titus had two goals, while forwards, Kaisa Marshall, Ashley Alonzo and Jessica Toms and defender Megan Bennett each scored once. Alonzo and Marshall each had an assist as well.
Kylie Hambleton and Magen Ross combined for a clean sheet in goal with several young players in defense. Freshmen Megan Bennett and Miriah Hadley started in central defense and played well.
The Roadrunners were shut out by a pair of nationally ranked teams last week. Friday, Baylor beat UTSA 5-0 on five first half goals. UTSA shored up its defense in the second game but still fell 1-0 to Texas A&M on a 79th minute goal.
The Jackrabbits lost a pair of 2-1 games at home to Iowa State and Loyola (Ill.). Sunday's loss to Loyola was a heartbreaker in overtime.
The Bearkat attack was most effective on the wings against Texas Southern last week but head coach Tom Brown wants the team to be more consistent in all areas.
“With Ashley Alonzo and Katie Ferrara we've got two very experienced and very talented players and great depth behind them,” Brown said. “We're definitely trying to develop more of our central play and all aspects of our play but I do think our two flank players are fantastic.”
Friday night's game against UTSA is set for 7 p.m. while Sunday's matchup with South Dakota State is at 10:30 a.m.
The Kats will have another road contest the following week at North Texas Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. before returning home to play Prairie View A&M Sunday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.
