Cougars head coach Susan Bush wanted to use Friday’s match with Texas as a measuring stick for her program. The answer might have been more disappointing than expected.
The Cougars were unable to thwart the crashing offense of National Soccer Coaches Association of America No. 25 Texas, falling 2-0 Friday at Mike A. Meyers Stadium in Austin.
The loss drops UH to 1-4 all time against the Longhorns and extends its road losing streak to three games, dating back to 2008.
The Cougars (0-2) ended the first half with hopes of an upset and shutout, as the teams were in a scoreless tie. Freshman goalkeeper Lauren Frazier made two huge saves in the opening period, but could not hold off Texas (1-1) after the break.
The Longhorns notched 11 shots in the second half, offering little rest for Frazier and the rest of the defense.
After a cross from Texas’ Kirsten Birkhold entered the penalty area, Frazier came out to meet sophomore Lucy Keith one-on-one. Frazier was unable to deflect the ball, leaving an open net for Keith, who scored to break the tie in the 57th minute.
This first goal set off an onslaught of shots from the Longhorns, who put four on goal during the next 15 minutes. The Cougars’ defense eventually folded under this pressure, allowing Texas to take a 2-0 advantage on Kylie Doniak’s goal during the 72nd minute.
Doniak notched the goal after a Frazier deflection landed in front of Leah Fortune, assisted on the score.
The Cougars will continue to hunt for their first victory of this season when they face Pepperdine at 3 p.m. Friday in Malibu, Calif.
‘
