RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women's soccer team dropped its season opener Thursday, 2-0, to the Texas Southern (TSU) Tigers at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex.
The Tigers (1-0) leaned on their defense and did just enough offensively to hold a 1-0 lead after the opening half. The Tigers converted the only goal of first half in the 11
th minute by
Jiselle Caffey, assisted by Ava Coverdale
.
UTRGV (0-1) created some offensive rhythm early and midway through the first half. Junior
Sienna Gillespie took two shots for the Vaqueros in the first and 17
th minute, that was saved by the Tiger's
Alessandra Bastidas. Junior
Isabella Burtini created space and took a shot in the 25
th minute that was off goal.
At the half, UTRGV led with four shots versus two from Texas Southern.
Freshman
Melany Gallegos took a deep shot from beyond the box in the 50
th minute that sailed over the cross bar.
Texas Southern added on quick in the second half with a goal in the 54
th by Junior
Alana Aiken, the second assist by freshman Guzman.
Freshman L
ondyn Johnson showed heart on the pitch by hustling for loose ball possessions and fighting to keep the attacking line present.
Senior
Linnea Eld showcased ball control against tight defense and was aggressive leading the Vaqueros charge against a pesky Tigers defense.
Johnson had a scoring opportunity in the 82
nd minute but was riocheted off a Tiger defender in the box. Shortly after in the 83
rd minute, Gallegos booted a long curvy shot right into the arms of Bastidas.
The Texas Southern defense stood tall in a last effort shot on goal by freshman
Anuhea Aalona in the 86
th minute that was deflected off the Tigers defense.
Bastidas finished the match with five saves. UTRGV outshot Texas Southern 9-8 and held the edge in shots on goal, 5-3.
The Vaqueros will be on the road at the Bobcat Soccer Complex on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. against Texas State.
Fans can watch live on the
PAC-12 YouTube Channel or follow along through
live stats.
Support UTRGV Women's Soccer |
Become a Fan on Facebook |
Follow us on Twitter |
Follow us on Instagram |
Follow us on YouTube
