Roadrunner soccer draws against FAU and FIU

Luke Lawhorn, Sports Editor

After starting their conference schedule, UTSA (6-2-3, 1-1-2 C-USA) began a five-game road trip, with the first two games coming against Florida Atlantic (FAU) (5-3-3, 1-0-1 C-USA) and Florida International (FIU) (2-5-2, 0-2-2 C-USA). Ending in 1-1 draws, with both games being largely defensive battles.

In the first game against the FAU Owls on Thursday, Sept. 22, both teams were scoreless in the first period. The first goal came by FAU’s Thelma Harmannsdottir in the 57th minute. As the game clock was winding down, UTSA’s Kiran Singh scored in the 86th minute, assisted by Marlee Fray. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. FAU out-shot the Roadrunners twelve to seven, while UTSA had nine fouls to FAU’s six, resulting in four corner kicks for the Owls. The all-time series against FAU is 1-2-3, and UTSA now has four total points in the Conference USA standings.

Adding onto the Roadrunners’ second Florida trip of the season, UTSA faced the FIU Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 25. This was another 1-1 draw, but it was more of an offensive battle than the previous game. The first goal came from the ‘Runners in the 23rd minute by Alissa Stewart and went into halftime with a 1-0 score. UTSA out-shot FIU seven to five. The Roadrunners kept their aggression up during the second half, shooting four shots in the first five minutes. Kim Schneider scored for the Panthers in the 56th minute to tie the game 1-1. The two teams had several corner kicks along with more shots on the goal, however, the score remained tied to end the game. UTSA added another point for their overall Conference USA standings.  

UTSA is now ranked seventh in the United Soccer Coaches’ South Region rankings. They are 19th nationally in assists per game, 10th in total assists and 25th in total points. The Roadrunners are also second in C-USA with 167 total shots. 

UTSA now has a week break before playing at the University of Houston (4-4-1) on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 2:00 p.m.