Sam Houston hosts Huskies, Islanders this weekend
9/24/2015 11:00:00 AM | Soccer
Sam Houston State soccer wraps up its three-game home stand this weekend, welcoming Houston Baptist on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Sunday at 1 p.m. as the Bearkats look to continue their winning ways in Southland Conference play.
Despite a second-round loss in penalties during the league tournament to eventual champion HBU (3-2-1, 1-0 SLC) a season ago, eighth-year head coach Tom Brown says the Kats (4-3-1, 1-0 SLC) concentration remains centered on this year's goals.
“There is no extra motivation,” Brown said. “Our focus is 2015 and last year's results don't affect that. Our motivation is to be 2-0 after the game on Friday night and to stay undefeated at home.”
The Bearkats are coming off a 2-1 overtime victory last Friday, in which senior Ashley Alonzo placed the game-winner inside the near post in the 97th minute to push Sam Houston passed Central Arkansas in the league opener.
Following the weekend set, Sam Houston will hit the road for three straight and not return to Pritchett Field until Oct. 16. Even with the road trip looming, Brown said it does not place additional pressure on the Bearkats to win at home.
“We hope that can have another weekend where we keep playing better and build our team confidence,” Brown said. “Although playing on the road can change your routine as far as attending class, sleeping in your bed, and being around your friends, it can also allow you to relax a little more and focus on the game at hand. We have been good on the road during our non-conference play and I hope that trend continues.”
The Huskies, who were picked third by the league's head coaches during the preseason, one spot behind Sam Houston, are coming off a 3-2 victory at Incarnate Word on Friday, and like the Kats, were off on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Islanders (0-5-2, 0-0-1 SLC) are looking for their first victory after facing a daunting non-conference slate and tying Abilene Christian 1-1 on Friday. A&M-Corpus Christi, who was picked eighth in the preseason, visits Stephen F. Austin on Friday before heading to Huntsville.
“Both of these teams are very good and we have had tight games with them the past couple of times,” Brown said. “I have tried to correct some of the mistakes we made last week with video analysis and some of our training activities. After watching both of our opponent's games, we have adjusted some tactics that we plan to use to help us be successful this weekend. The team has been upbeat and worked hard.”
Sam Houston is led by senior Mariah Titus's four goals while junior Maddy Panozzo has logged a team-high four assists. Senior goalkeeper Kylie Hambleton has made six starts, averaging 1.40 goals against alongside 30 saves.
Friday's matchup will also be part of 'Free Food Friday' with the first 100 students in attendance receiving complimentary Pita Pit. For the latest on Bearkat soccer, follow @SHSUSoccer on Twitter and visit GoBearkats.com.
