UTSA soccer prevailed against Temple University 3-0 on Sunday at Park West Athletic Complex.
The Roadrunners (7-6-3, 2-4-2 AAC) played a well-fought game against the Owls (2-14, 0-7 AAC), and the aggression that had been missing the previous week returned. Quickly shutting Temple down, UTSA’s defense and offense continued to put pressure on the Owls as they remained on their side of the pitch.
“We wanted to keep Temple under pressure,” coach Derek Pittman said. “We didn’t want them to get into a rhythm. We didn’t want them to have any success building out of the back. Relentless pressure, both defensively and offensively, was a big key to our success.”
Senior midfielder Olivia Alvarez executed a set piece in the second half against Temple goalkeeper Tamsin Bynoe. Freshman forward Addy Johnson threw-in to sophomore forward Tyler Coker who received the ball and passed it up the third to Alvarez.
“This week was all about being the best version of ourselves,” Pittman said. “Let’s get back to playing our aggressive style, being aggressive with the ball, being aggressive without the ball and being dangerous on set pieces.”
Johnson extended the ‘Runners lead in the second half by carrying the ball and scoring with a cross kick after Coker kicked long-distance.
Scoring 34 minutes into the game, sophomore midfielder Sophie Morrin shot a penalty kick after a Temple player pushed teammate Alvarez down. Morrin shot a clear goal from the Owls attacking third and past Bynoe as she stood completely still.
Throughout the game the Roadrunners were able to maintain 64% possession of the ball and led in shot attempts 21-4. During the second half, the ‘Runners aimed to kick the ball further down the pitch as part of their strategy to wear the Owls down.
UTSA will play University of South Florida at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Corbett Soccer Stadium.
