Kats featured in televised weekend matches
8/25/2016 8:00:00 AM | Soccer
Sam Houston State soccer is seeking its first win of the season as it visits the University of Texas to face Detroit on Friday and College of Charleston on Sunday with both matches set to air on the Longhorn Network and online through ESPN3.
The Bearkats (0-2) are looking to rebound after falling 5-0 at Alabama in the season opener last Friday and 5-2 against UTSA in the home opener on Sunday. The squad, which won a program-best 10 matches a season ago, returned five starters and 12 letterwinners this season.
“Our biggest thing whether its game or training is getting better every day,” ninth-year head coach Tom Brown said. “We're young. It's going to take time. Players are not used to the other players around them. They may all be talented but it's still a process. They have to hang in there. This staff is definitely taking a long-term approach in the process.”
Despite the offensive struggles against the Crimson Tide – as the Kats managed just three shots – and in the first half against UTSA, the Bearkats came to life in the final 45 minutes, netting two goals thanks to freshman Kaylee Davis and senior Allie Johnson.
“I think the UTSA game was close,” Brown said. “Obviously, once we had to push to get back into the game, being a player down, it exposes you. I think we find out a lot about players and what they do in adversity. We're going to face further adversity when we get to conference and some of these other non-conference games.”
The trio of Davis, Johnson and Beryl Smith have accounted for all six points this season thus far for the Kats. Smith, playing the midfield in her first season after transferring from Oklahoma State, added both assists against UTSA and played a major role in Sam Houston's 3-2 exhibition win against Houston.
A season ago, the Bearkats finished tied for first in the Southland Conference in fewest goals allowed (19) and tied for first in goals against average (0.83). Through the first two games, the Bearkats have allowed 10 goals, however, and are looking to reverse the pattern.
“I think one is better composure on the ball,” Brown said. “When we have it, we've got to do a better job keeping it and staying connected. Especially from a defensive standpoint, playing a little better within the structure of the system. I think how we want to play is new tactically to many of them. Hopefully we'll see improvement in those two areas.”
Friday's match will be the first of nine straight away from home. The road trip will mark the most consecutive games away from home since the program began in 2003. The Bearkats return to Austin one weekend later to face Texas before playing in four states over the next six games. Sam Houston's next home match will be Sept. 30 against McNeese.
