Oct. 9, 2008

HOUSTON - The University of Houston soccer team returns to action at 7 p.m., Friday, as the Cougars hit the road to face Memphis in a Conference USA match-up.

Houston (4-6-1, 0-3-1 C-USA) will leave the state of Texas for the first time this season, heading first to face the Tigers before traveling to Alabama on Sunday to face UAB.

The Cougars have battled the injury bug this season, having several key players missing significant time and severely limiting the team's depth.

Captain Shelby Scott has been rock solid in goal for UH this season. The senior netminder ranks second in C-USA among all goalkeepers with at least 10 starts with a 0.77 goals against average. Scott is tied for third with four clean sheets.

Freshman forward Jessica Zavalza has provided a spark for the Cougars in the offensive third during her rookie campaign. She leads the club with three goals this season.

Fellow freshman defender Stephanie Derieg is tops with three assists.

Houston owns a 6-3 lead in the all-time series history with the Tigers and has posted a 2-1 record on the road in Memphis.

Following Friday's match, the Cougars head on to Birmingham, Ala. to face the Blazers at 2 p.m. Sunday.