Houston Cougars Fall 2-1 to Houston Baptist in Soccer Action

(Freshman Ashlee Briggerman, shown at right, scored her first career goal in the 82nd minute for the Cougars. photo courtesy of University of Houston Sports Information Department)

HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 24, 2008) The University of Houston soccer team dropped a tough 2-1 decision to cross-town rival Houston Baptist on Tuesday at Robertson Stadium.

Houston (4-3-0) dominated the play much of the game, maintaining the majority of the possession and outshooting the Huskies 22-7, but could just not finish.

“We outshot our opponents,” Head Coach Susan Bush said. “They had two good opportunities and finished them both. Our finishing is still an issue.

“We are disappointed with the result, but HBU played a great game.”

Freshman Ashlee Briggerman scored her first career goal in the 82nd minute to bring Houston within striking distance. Briggerman tallied the Cougar’s lone score in the air, heading fellow freshman Stephanie Derieg’s corner kick into the back of the net.

In one of the Cougars’ best chances of the night, freshman Ryan Bruz blasted a shot from the left side of the penalty area and could only watch as it ricocheted off the post and cleared out of danger.

Sophomore Islara Rodriguez ripped a team-high five shots in the contest, while junior Kaitlin Thulin added four.

HBU scored in the 15th minute when Ana Viscariello put away a rebound in front of the goal to give the Huskies a 1-0 lead.

HBU would double its lead in the 47th minute when Viscariello put away her second goal of the game.

Freshman goalkeeper Lauren Frazier made her first career star for UH, allowing a pair of goals and recording a pair of saves during the contest.

“We are heading into conference play on Friday, and Frazier needed to get some in-game experience in case we need her,” Bush said.

Houston opens conference play against Marshall and East Carolina on Friday and Sunday, respectively.

“We are looking forward to opening the conference schedule,” Bush said. “We have the players to do well, but there is no easy game. Our goal is still to make the Conference Tournament.