Soccer Rolls to 3-0 Shutout over McNeese State
9/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
HOUSTON â€" The Houston Cougar soccer team returned to Carl Lewis Field in a big way with a 3-0 shutout victory over the McNeese State Cowgirls on Friday, marking the squad's second clean-sheet victory of the season.
"This was a very good result, and the team should be excited," head coach Chris Pfau said. "But we talked about this home stretch and our goals going into it, and we have another tough game Sunday."
Houston found the scoreboard early in the first half when senior Hailey Kirkwood found the back of the net for her first career goal. The Las Vegas, Nev., native played a beautiful ball from sophomore Selena Peters in the 14th minute and buried a shot past the keeper. Kirkwood now has three points on the season, while Peters owns the team lead with five points (two goals, one assist).
Houston held the lead for the remainder of the half, before extending that lead in the 62nd minute with senior Lexa Green's second goal of the season. After Green had her first shot saved on a pass from Gabby Rodriguez, Vanessa Almaguer's rebound shot bounced off the crossbar and fell right back to Green who was able to finish. Green is now tied for second on the team in points with freshman Desiree Bowen (4).
Bowen capped the scoring for Houston in the 72nd minute when she scored on a ball played across from freshman Sydney Daubendiek that was tapped over by Hannah Dauzat. Dauzat now has three points on the season, while the assist was the first point of Daubendiek's young career.
Senior goalkeeper Jordan Brown was hardly tested in the match, facing just six shots and only having to save one. The League City, Texas native collected her second shutout of the season, and fifth of her career moving her into fifth all-time on the Houston career shutout list.
"We have another tough game Sunday, and we have to learn to play well back-to-back on Friday and Sunday," Pfau said. "We have two more non-conference home games, and we want to continue to build on this success and not take a step back. I'm proud of the team and the effort, but there is still more work to do in front of us."
UP NEXT FOR HOUSTON
The Cougars return to action on Sunday, Sept. 13, when they play host to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, at 1 p.m., at Carl Lewis Field. The Islanders were off from competition on Friday, but are coming of the team's first positive result of the season, a 2-2 draw against UT-Rio Grande Valley on Sunday, Sept. 6. Houston holds a 1-0-1 all-time record against the Islanders after drawing 0-0 on Aug. 22, 2014.
2015 SHASTA PASS
The Houston Fan Experience Headquarters is proud to offer the Shasta Pass for the 2015-16 athletic season. For just $50, Cougar fans can purchase one Shasta Pass, which allows season-long general admission entrance to all Houston Soccer, Women's Basketball, Volleyball and Softball home games.
The Shasta Pass offers Houston fans a substantial savings as single-game tickets start at $8 for all four sports. Fans can save $126 alone during the Houston Volleyball and Soccer seasons. To purchase a Shasta Pass, CLICK HERE.
SINGLE GAME TICKETS
Single game tickets are on sale starting at just $8 for general admission. Faculty/Staff and H-Association member's admission is discounted to $6, while youth tickets (Ages 3-High School) are $5.
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