Kats conclude three-game road trip at NSU
10/9/2015 9:11:00 AM | Soccer
Sam Houston State soccer looks to conclude its three-game road trip perfect, visiting Northwestern State and the Demon Soccer Complex on Friday at 7 p.m., in the squad's lone action of the weekend.
The Bearkats (7-4-1 overall, 4-1 Southland) downed McNeese State and Lamar last weekend to up their league-best road record to 5-1, while remaining tied with Houston Baptist for second in the conference.
The Sam Houston defense has record four shutouts in its last six matches, while allowing no more than one goal in each. The unit will be tested by an NSU (3-7-3 overall, 0-3-2, SLC) squad that leads the league in 20.67 shots per game over three conference matches.
“They're definitely a team that has kept all their games close,” eighth-year head coach Tom Brown said. “They had good results against teams like SFA and LSU. We've got to make sure their shots aren't coming from dangerous areas and make sure we finish our opportunities.”
Meanwhile, the Bearkats offense looks to continue creating more chances. In Sunday's 1-0 win at Lamar, the team boasted a season-high 31 shots and recorded double-digit shot on goal (11) for the second time in as many matches.
“I think the team is feeling more comfortable with each other,” Brown said. “Even as we change some personnel or start different players, those changes aren't causing a disruption as the team plays together. We're doing a better job creating opportunities. We worked this week on finishing those opportunities.”
Friday's match moves Sam Houston passed the midway point in its 11-game conference slate, leading up to the Southland Conference Tournament on Nov. 5-8 in Conway, Ark.
“We have goals we set from the beginning that we want to achieve,” Brown said. “We can't be focused on a couple weeks from now. We have to be focused on Northwestern State. They are the ones at this moment trying to keep us from our goals.”
Offensively, the Kats are led by Mariah Titus, who has recorded a team-leading five goals and 35 shots in 12 matches played. Allie Johnson, who ranks second with three goals and 21 shots, tied a conference best with nine shots last weekend against the Cardinals.
A season ago, Sam Houston bested the Demons in Huntsville by a final of 4-1, with goals coming from returners Allie Johnson, Caitlyn Schwartz and Shelby McDaniel. Kylie Hambleton earned the victory in the net, recording three saves.
For the latest, follow @SHSUSoccer on Twitter and visit GoBearkats.com.
