Kats Push Liberty to the Final Whistle in 2-1 Season-Ending Setback

Sunday, November 8

Newark, Del.

3:30 PM

5-6-7, 1-3-4

Liberty

15-2-2, 7-0-1

Team	1	2	Final F
Sam Houston	0	1	1
Liberty	2	0	2

Box Score (PDF)

Photo by: CUSA

11/8/2026 9:20:00 PM | Soccer

Box Score

NEWARK, Del. – Sam Houston rallied in the second half and had a final opportunity to force overtime in the closing seconds, but fell 2-1 to Liberty in the quarterfinal round of the Conference USA Tournament on Sunday afternoon at Stuart & Suzanne Grant Stadium.

The Bearkats showed significant improvement in the second half, turning a three-shot opening 45 minutes into a nine-shot offensive outburst after halftime. Sam Houston finished the match with 12 shots, including four on goal, and generated the majority of its attacking chances over the final 45 minutes.

After facing a two-goal deficit at the break, the Bearkats remained on the attack throughout the second half and finally broke through in the 81st minute. The scoring sequence began with relentless pressure in the box as two Sam Houston attempts struck the right post. The ball eventually fell to Gianna Gomez, who buried the rebound for her third goal of the season and cut the deficit to 2-1.

The goal ignited a frantic finish as the Bearkats continued to throw numbers forward in search of the equalizer. Sam Houston generated one final opportunity in the closing seconds, putting a shot on goal as time expired, but the attempt was denied before the final whistle sounded.

Defensively, Hannah Stipp kept the Bearkats within striking distance throughout the contest, making seven saves. The Bearkat back line tightened up after the break, helping limit opportunities and allowing the offense a chance to battle back into the match.

Alongside Gomez's offensive effort, Kelsey Villatoro added two shots, including one on goal, while Ashtyn Magnuson contributed two shots off the bench. Sam Houston also showed its improvement after halftime by holding its opponent to eight second-half shots after allowing 17 in the opening period.

The Bearkats close the book on the 2026 season and now turn their attention to the offseason, looking to build on the momentum and experience gained this fall as they prepare for the 2027 campaign.