The Cougars will head into tonight’s game against Texas looking to rebound from the Sunday’s disappointing 2-1 loss in double-overtime to Texas-San Antonio. They will have their hands full with the Longhorns, who return seven starters from last year’s team, which advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championships.
The Longhorns were ranked in the top 25 by two organizations: No. 15 by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and No. 16 by Soccer Times.
Despite the hype surrounding Texas, UH head coach Susan Bush views this game as an opportunity to gauge the Cougars’ (0-1) progress.
‘Obviously we’re going up there to get a result, but at the same time, we look at it as a chance to see where we’re at in where we’re trying to go,’ Bush said.
Sunday’s loss to UTSA came with some encouragement, as UH played aggressively early. The freshmen also had a good showing, showing no signs of anxiety, but have not captured the speed of the collegiate game.
‘The key with the freshman is the difference in speed and physical play at the college level,’ Bush said. ‘Once they can adjust to those two things, the game becomes simpler.’
The Cougars and Longhorns dropped their season openers, so neither will want to start the season with consecutive losses. Fans should expect a hard fought battle when the teams square off at 7 p.m. at Mike A. Myers Stadium.
Incomers learn traditions
The Athletic Department is partnering with various spirit groups on campus to host a Cougar Tradition Camp for freshman, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Houston Room in the University Center.
The traditions camp is the final event of freshman orientation that the Athletic Department participates in.
‘We are attempting to build an event to teach freshman traditions. In the hope to build more (spirit),’ marketing director Sean Randall said.
The camp is intended to introduce freshmen to Cougar customs, such as the cheer blitz. Students will also learn the fight song and cougar hand sign.
The program for the camp includes a 90-minute session, in which participants will learn cheers, rants and chants that are shouted at UH athletic events.
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