Cougar Women's Soccer Earns Double-Overtime Draw With Tulsa

By Houston Athletics
Posted Saturday, October 4, 2008

HOUSTON– The University of Houston soccer team earned a 0-0 double-overtime draw against Conference USA foe Tulsa on Friday at Robertson Stadium.

Houston (4-5-1) notched its first result in conference play this season, snapping the team’s four-game losing streak.

“We got our first result in conference play tonight,” head coach Susan Bush said. “Tying is a little frustrating, but one point is better than nothing.”

Both teams battled throughout the match, each team struggling to take the upperhand. Back-and-forth the they slugged it out during the physical match in which both sides drew 17 fouls.

“I don’t think either team played very well tonight,” Bush said. “I think our legs were getting tired at the end, but we don’t have many options on our bench right now.

“Sunday’s match against SMU is huge for us. We need a result. If we get one on Sunday, we’ll be right back in the hunt for the Conference Championship.”

Captain Shelby Scott played another terrific game in net for the Cougars. She posted her fourth shutout of the season, lowering her C-USA leading goals against average to 0.64 on the season.

In what may have been the play of the game for Houston, the senior netminder came off her line to charge Tulsa’s Alyvia Rogers, who had squirted past the Cougar defense and was in full stride toward the goal, to disrupt the breakaway scoring chance.

The Cougars would put together their best offensive opportunities in the second overtime period.

Junior Kaitlin Thulin dribbled down the right flank and crossed to an open Islara Rodriguez in front of the net, but Rodriguez could only watch as she pushed her shot just to the right of the goal.

Minutes later Thulin would play another ball into the box, this time to freshman Jessica Zavalza as she raced past the Golden Hurricane backline. However, the ball would be just out of Zavalza’s reach as she lunged toward the goal. Tulsa’s Kendal Harclerode was able to scoop up the ball and end the threat.

Thulin, Rodriguez, Ruan Bruz and Maegan Kiphart each ripped a pair of shots, as the Cougars tallied 11 in the match.

Houston returns to action at 1 p.m., Sunday, as UH takes on C-USA-rival SMU at Robertson Stadium.

For a complete wrap-up of the game, fans can log on to
UHCougars.com