HOUSTON, TEXAS (September 28, 2008) The University of Houston soccer team dropped a tough 1-0 matchagainst Conference USA-rival East Carolina on Sunday at Robertson Stadium.Houston (4-5-0) controlled much of the possession andplayed a more aggressive match offensively, outshooting the Pirates by a 12-8margin - with five shots on goal – but could not find the back of the net.
“I thought this was the best we have played in the pastfour or five games,” head coach Susan Bush said. “We need to find a way to score goals. We have been outplaying and outshooting ouropponents but we have struggled finishing.
“That is the one missing ingredient we have this season,that player who can put the ball away in the offensive third.”
It was the Cougars’ fourth-straight, one-goal loss since theteam’s season-long, four-game winning streak. Houston has battled injuries all season, forcing several lineup changes,including in the team’s backline.
Sophomores Lauri Byrne, Jessica Rathweg and StephanieBooker teamed up with freshman Stephanie Derieg in the back for the Cougars andall helped solidify the defense. Theytightened up in the first half, allowing East Carolina only one shot as the Pirates never really threatened offensively in the first 45 minutes of play.
“I thought they especially played very well today,” Bushsaid. “They really shut them down in thefirst half. We were able to send Byrneand Derieg up on the attack and really put pressure on East Carolina.”
Senior goalkeeper Shelby Scott also played well for theCougars, coming off her line to disrupt several Pirate counter attacks andrecording a save.
Junior Kaitlin Thulin led the team with three shots whilefreshman Jessica Zavalza added a pair of shots.
The Cougars return to action next weekend, facing C-USAfoes Tulsa and SMU at Robertson Stadium on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
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