For the first time in program history, No. 6 seed UTSA soccer reaches the Conference USA championship game as they upset No. 2 seed North Texas 2-1 on Friday afternoon. The Roadrunners lost to the Mean Green 3-1 earlier this season, and with the season on the line, UTSA made sure to play aggressively to move onto the next round. 

The Roadrunners outshot the Mean Green 16 to 11 and had nine on target to North Texas’ two. In the first half, UTSA outshot North Texas 10 to four while also adding three corner kicks. The first goal came from an Avery Chaney corner kick which sent the ball to Deja Sandoval, who headed the ball into UNT’s goalkeeper. However, the ball was deflected back into UTSA’s possession, and Jordan Walker kicked the ball and scored in the ninth minute.

The second goal came from UTSA in the 31st minute. Kendall Kloza earned a free kick and made the shot to extend the lead to 2-0. The Roadrunner offense kept the Mean Green defense at work, keeping the ball on North Texas’ side for 62 percent of the first half. UTSA also did not allow a shot from North Texas for the final 15 minutes of the period. 

The Mean Green matched the ‘Runners level of intensity from the first half, earning four corner kicks in the second period and not allowing UTSA any. North Texas scored in the 60th minute by Madison Drenowatz, which was her first goal of the season. However, the defense held their own, holding the Mean Green to one goal and seven shots and hanging on to successfully pull off the 2-1 upset. 

UTSA will now play No. 5 seed FAU in the Conference USA Championship match. The game will be played at 1 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, Nov. 6.