SAN ANTONIO — Guided by seven saves from junior goalkeeper Jasmine Kessler, UTSA soccer began its 20th season with a 0-0 draw against the University of Houston on Thursday at Park West Athletics Complex.
With the Roadrunners’ (0-0-1) starting 11 consisting of seven newcomers and the Cougars (0-0-1) led by a rookie coach making his debut, both sides played with high-intensity despite not finding the net. In the final minute, Cougars goalkeeper Maggie Manning provided the ‘Runners with their best opportunity to score by fouling freshman forward Brooklyn Bailey within the penalty area. Bailey’s penalty kick missed wide right, robbing the first-year player of a signature moment in the opener.
“I would pick [Bailey] every day and any day of the week,” coach Derek Pittman said after the game. “I know we have other ones who can take it as well, but when [Bailey] is on the field, I’ve seen her do it time-and-time again. I think in the moment she maybe second-guessed herself and didn’t quite trust herself to put it where she wanted to. She’ll learn from that, but I’ll pick her again.”
By the time the clock struck the 45th minute, both Manning and Kessler had notched two saves apiece. Houston led in shots with five to the Roadrunners’ four. The second half, however, was a completely different story. The Cougars attempted 13 shots in the latter 45 minutes, more than doubling the ‘Runners’ shot total of six — but Kessler stymied every single one of them.
“It’s the days you don’t see,” Kessler said of what makes her great. “The early morning trainings, the film sessions, the team meetings — it’s everything that happens outside of the playing field that helps me do those incredible things.”
Kessler’s electric performance also saw her surpass 100 career saves. Despite the draw, both player and coach shared the same sentiment: pride in the performance.
“Extremely proud. Regardless of what the scoreboard said,” Pittman said. “I thought our team showed a tremendous amount of competitiveness and toughness.”
“I think this was a fantastic showing for us. We’re happy, but not satisfied. We played so strong and so hard. Every single moment tonight was an absolute fight,” Kessler added.
UTSA will next face No. 9 Texas Christian University at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday at Park West Athletics Complex.
