UTSA soccer played a heated match against the University of North Texas on Thursday night at the Mean Green Soccer Stadium, the two teams tied 2-2 in the final moments of the game.
North Texas (7-3-3, 3-1-1 American Athletic Conference), with four minutes left in the game, scored a goal on UTSA (6-5-1, 1-3-1 AAC), bringing the score to a tie. North Texas midfielder Emma King scored when she shot over UTSA sophomore goalkeeper Jasmine Kessler’s head after she received the ball from teammates.
The Mean Green scored at the beginning of the second half and brought the game to 1-1. The goal came as North Texas forward Summer Brown scored against Kessler after she kicked the ball into the corner of the goal. In the same minute, sophomore midfielder Michelle Polo crossed the ball towards senior forward Jordan Walker who headed the ball and scored a goal, catching the Mean Green goalkeeper and defense off guard.
Heading into this game, both the ‘Runners and North Texas were both coming off of losses in their previous matches.
The Roadrunners scored on The Eagles within the first two minutes after receiving a free kick; sophomore midfielder Sophie Morrin sent the ball flying to her teammate, junior center back Kameron Kloza, who shot a header into goal.
Even though North Texas had possession over the ball throughout most of the game, UTSA maintained an aggressive strategy that helped them score and get past the Mean Green. Both teams were relentless as a total of 26 fouls were given during the game, amidst the Mean Green being notably more aggressive after their head coach was red carded by a referee during the first half.
Kessler put on an impressive display by deflecting almost all 20 attempted shots by North Texas. Throughout the game the ‘Runners showed persistence and strength when it came to combating The Eagles’ feisty strategy, nearly resulting in a win.
UTSA will play University of Tulsa at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Park West Athletic Complex.
