Bayou City University: August 26
(image via University of Houston)
The college soccer season is off to a thrilling start in Houston — with the Cougars pulling off a historic win and the Owls and Huskies battling hard on the road. Let’s dive into how things went in the opening weeks of the season.
University of Houston Cougars (Women)
Results:
August 14: Drew 0-0 on the road at UTSA
August 17: Defeated St. Mary’s University 4-0 at home
August 24: Defeated Texas 4–1 at home
Recap: The Cougars are off to an unbeaten start in the Ben Williams era. Most notably, Houston overturned a first-half deficit with four unanswered second-half goals to take down the University of Texas with an emphatic 4-1 win. The win snapped a six-game losing streak versus the Longhorns.
Player Spotlight: It took a total team effort to beat the Longhorns, but Morgan Donohue, Cameryn Maddox (penalty), Blake Hodgson, and Kyrsten Kizer were all on the score sheet. A statement win early in Coach Williams’s tenure.
Looking Ahead: UH hits the road next for a match against ULM on August 31 — a chance to extend momentum and build confidence early in the season.
Rice University Owls (Women)
Results:
August 14: Defeated Houston Christian 2-1 at home
August 17: Defeated UTRGV 6-0 on the road
August 24: Lost 4-0 on the road against North Carolina
Recap: The Owls picked up two wins to start their season and then went on the road for a big test against the defending champion Tar Heels. 12th ranked North Carolina handed Rice its first loss of the season, but one that will definitely serve as a building block going forward.
Player Spotlight: Seven players have scored the eight goals for Rice this season with Mariana Elizondo, Leah Chancey, Laurel Kelley, Eileen Albers, Jessica Molina, Camille Quarterman, and Elizabet Velkova all on the score sheet already in 2025.
Looking Ahead: Rice welcomes Oklahamo State to Houston on Thursday, August 28 before a weekend trip to take on Louisiana in Lafayette on Sunday, August 31.
Houston Christian University Huskies (Women)
Results:
August 14: Lost 2-1 at Rice
August 17: Defeated Tarleton State 3-2 on the road
August 22: Defeated Grambling 1-0 at home
August 24: Lost 1-0 at Abilene Christian
Recap: The Huskies are off to a 2-2 start to the 2025 season with 3 of those matches away from home.
Player Spotlight: Goalkeeper Terra Rybuck made four saves in the loss to Abilene Christian. The teams were tied at 0-0 for most of the match until the Wildcats got the game’s only goal in the 86th minute.
Looking Ahead: The Huskies host College of Charleston on August 28 and Southern on August 31, two chances to rebound and pick up results at home.
Houston Christian University Huskies (Men)
Results:
August 24: Defeated Pacific 4-0 at home
Recap: HCU’s men’s team opened their regular season with a convincing 4-0 win over Pacific.
Player Spotlight: Goalkeeper Alex Aitken earned OVC Goalkeeper of the Week honors, while Nico Kross claimed Co-Defensive Player of the Week after helping anchor the shutout against Pacific and adding an assist.
Looking Ahead: The Huskies host UMass Lowell on August 28 and Gonzaga on August 31 as they look to stay hot to begin their 2025 campaign.
University of St. Thomas
Both the men’s and women’s teams at St. Thomas University will get their 2025 season underway this week. The men open with two road matches, against Southwestern on Thursday, August 28 and against Trinity on Sunday, August 31. The women are also away, taking on Pacific Lutheran University on Friday, August 29.
Closing Thought
Historic wins like UH’s serve notice — Houston’s college soccer scene is building serious momentum. 2025 is going to be an exciting season to keep an eye on.
