Bayou City University: September 11
(image via Derrick Tuskan/UCSD Athletics)
Houston’s college programs are surging along with their season, heading towards conference play. Here’s how the Bayou City teams fared.
University of Houston Cougars (Women)
Results:
September 4: Defeated McNeese 8-0 at home
September 7: Drew 0-0 on the road at Stephen F. Austin
Recap: The Cougars dominated McNeese, scoring 8 goals, from 8 different goalscorers, against the Cowgirls. Houston were then held to a scoreless draw in Nacogdoches against head coach Ben Williams’ former school.
Player Spotlight: Graduate goalkeeper Lexi Gonzalez was named Big 12 Goalkeeper of the Week. She posted two clean sheets and made six saves across the Cougars two matches.
Looking Ahead: UH hosts UTRGV tonight at 7 PM for Senior Night.
Rice University Owls (Women)
Results:
September 7: Defeated Lamar 2-0 on the road
Recap: The Owls picked up their third straight win and moved to 5-1 on the season with a win in Beaumont.
Player Spotlight: Graduate midfielder Leah Chancey scored both goals in the win over Lamar, upping her tally to 5 on the season. Chancey was named American Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday and goalkeeper Kirsten Ruf was names American Goalkeeper of the Week.
Looking Ahead: Rice beings their American Conference schedule tonight on the road against UAB.
Houston Christian University Huskies (Women)
Results:
September 4: Lost 3-0 away to SMU
September 7: Beat Southern 2-0 on the road
Recap: The Huskies lost in a tough road test against SMU. They then went on the road to Baton Rouge and came away with a victory against Southern.
Player Spotlight: Olivia Rossman and Isabella Dillow scored in the win over Southern. The Huskies held Southern to just two shots in posting a clean sheet.
Looking Ahead: HCU is back at home tonight as they host Prairie View A&M. They then travel back to Louisiana for a match up with Louisiana Tech on Sunday.
Houston Christian University Huskies (Men)
Results:
September 4: Won 2-0 at UC San Diego
September 7: Beat Oral Roberts 3-1 at home
Recap: The HCU’s men picked up two wins to extend their win streak to three games and their fourth victory in their last five matches.
Player Spotlight: Ryan Okerayi continued his hot start to the season, scoring in both wins. Senior Alex Aitken was named OVC Goalkeeper of the Week for the second time this season.
Looking Ahead: The Huskies hit the road again for two matches. They’ll take on Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday before a trip to South Texas for a meeting with UTRGV.
University of St. Thomas Celts (Women)
Results:
September 5: Lost 1-0 on the road to East Texas Baptist
September 7: Drew 2-2 against Belhaven
Recap: UST fought back with an 81st minute equalizer to earn a draw against Belhaven after falling to East Texas Baptist two days earlier.
Player Spotlight: Vanessa Romero and Amy Romero scored in the draw against Belhaven, the first of the season for both players.
Looking Ahead: The St. Thomas women return to Houston for their home opener tonight, taking on North American University at SaberCats Stadium. The Celts then hit the road for a match with Howard Payne on Saturday.
University of St. Thomas Celts (Men)
Results:
September 6: Defeated Hardin-Simmons 1-0 at SaberCats Stadium
Recap: The Celts got their season underway, falling 2-0 to Southwestern in Georgetown. Their scheduled match on Sunday against Trinity was canceled.
Player Spotlight: Tony Castro scored the game’s only goal in the 85th minute and goalkeeper Jorge Gonzalez made six saves to keep the clean sheet.
Looking Ahead: UST continue their home stand at SaberCats Stadium vs Mary Hardin Baylor tonight and again on Saturday taking on North American University.
Closing Thought
Houston’s college teams are finding their form and getting good results as the season rolls on. Be sure to get out to UH, Rice, HCU, or St. Thomas and support the student-athletes and soccer in the Bayou City.
