Since the home loss to North Texas on Sept. 28, UTSA soccer continued its conference play with a three-game road trip across Dallas, Alabama and Pennsylvania. They lost 1-0 to SMU, tied 1-1 to UAB and won 2-0 against Temple.
Head coach Derek Pittman had mentioned before the team’s road trip that he wants the team to score more goals, having been held scoreless for a total of five straight games. However, the ‘Runners are returning from the road trip with back-to-back games with goals.
Despite not dominating in possession in their game against Temple, the ‘Runners dominated in scoring.
Midfielder Sophie Morrin stole the ball out from under the Owls (2-10-3, 0-6-0 AAC), which led to Jordyn Hyland picking up the ball and taking it downfield. Thanks to Hyland’s assist, Walker was able to put a goal in the top corner of the net in the first half.
The second goal came from midfield by keeper Jasmine Kessler and was launched towards forward Hannah Warnken directed the ball with a header near Michelle Polo, who scored with minutes left in the game.
During its game against the Mustangs, the Roadrunners were aggressive on the field but their losses stemmed from a struggle to make connections near the goal, even after working so hard to place themselves within the confines of the goal box.
The coaching staff was determined to fight for the team as well but were too aggressive themselves. Four cards to the coaching staff before half resulted in assistant coach Peter Mulamba getting ejected.
The ‘Runners broke their scoring drought when they played UAB (5-4-5, 1-1-4 AAC) . In the second half, midfielder Avery Chaney was able to make a cross in front of the goal to freshman forward Jordan Walker, which tied up the game against the Blazers.
UTSA soccer will play against Florida Atlantic this Thursday at 7 p.m. on October 19 at Park West Sports Complex.
