Soccer Closes Season With 1-0 Win Over Rice
Oct. 31, 2008
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HOUSTON --Freshman Jessica Zavalza found the perfect gift for her departing senior teammates, burying the game-winner to hand the University of Houston soccer team a thrilling 1-0 win over crosstown- and Conference USA-rival Rice on Friday at Robertson Stadium. Zavalza scored the game's only goal, finding the back of the net in the 13th minute. Junior Kaitlin Thulin brought the ball down the right flank and crossed it to an open Zavalza, who beat Owls keeper Catherine Fitzsimmons. Houston (7-9-1, 3-7-1 C-USA) closed out its 2008 campaign on a high, defeating the rival Owls as the Cougars honored their elder statesmen on Senior Night. "It was just a great way to end the season," head coach Susan Bush said. "We've had spurts of playing well all season, but tonight they put 90 great minutes of soccer together. "It was a great way to honor the seniors and send them off properly. It also gives us a great way to start things off heading into next season." Senior captain Shelby Scott closed out her career in fine fashion, shutting out Rice for the first time in program history. Scott also made the play of the night, in protecting the team's slight advantage. Just minutes after Zavalza put the Cougars out in front, Rice mounted its own threat when Shelly Wong crossed to Amy Beger in the box, who ripped a shot right into the outstretched hands of a diving Scott. Her remarkable save protected the shutout and preserved the win. "She's been huge for us all year, and we ask her to make at least one save a night you usually wouldn't make," Bush said. "And that save tonight was amazing, we're so proud of her." Scott finished her career as the all-time program leader in wins with 20, shutouts with 14 and saves with 302. Houston's backline also had a solid outing, limiting the Owls to nine shots with just four shots in the final 45 minutes. Junior Christine Nieva led the Cougars with five shots off the bench, while Zavalza added three rips.
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