HOUSTON — Junior forward Michelle Polo scored the tying goal in the 40th minute, giving UTSA soccer a 1-1 draw against Rice University on Thursday at Holloway Field.
The Roadrunners (6-2-5, 2-0-3 AC) maintained control of the ball on the opponent’s side of the field consistently throughout the game, keeping the Owls (8-2-2, 2-1-2 AC) at bay.
Both goalkeepers were monumental for their respective teams, with plenty of strong kicks consistently flipping field position. Although the Owls got their first goal during the ninth minute, the ‘Runners followed right behind. Polo connected with the net with five minutes left in the first half, taking advantage of a window in the right corner of the goal.
In the end, the Roadrunners had 17 shots to the Owls’ 12. Coach Pittman discussed the Roadrunners’ history with the Owls after the draw.
“University of Rice, this is our 17th meeting, and we’ve only won three times,” Pittman said. “So, to be honest with you, it’s always a difficult contest. It’s always a really tough match, whether it’s at our place or here. They are a talented group and I’m really proud of our team today. I thought we did a fantastic job.”
The Owls played a close-contact game instead of working across the field. They ended up head-to-head against the Roadrunners on Thursday.
The ‘Runners also led in shots on goal with two instances during the second half. During the 53rd minute, senior midfielder Zoë May nearly scored, but the ball ricocheted off the crossbar. Within a minute, May tried again but couldn’t quite find the net.
The Roadrunners set a new record on Thursday night, marking their eighth straight game without a loss. Pittman explained why he feels his team is already making history.
“That’s the longest unbeaten streak we’ve ever had in our program history,” Pittman said. “So, to be able to get a draw out of this situation or a win was always going to put us in that direction. But again, the most important thing for us is that we’re one step closer to our goal, which is to make the conference tournament.
“It would have been great to get the three points tonight, and I thought we were very close to deserving that. But, you know, in the end, it was a very valuable point on the road against a very talented team here at Rice.”
Both teams played aggressively, with the Roadrunners collecting seven fouls and the Owls garnering 11. Pittman described how both teams played an aggressive style of soccer.
“If they press, we press. They’re tough in 50-50 balls, so are we,” Pittman stated. “Again, I think it’s a lot of attitude and effort on both sides that it’s going to be a really physical match and really competitive. Fouls will come out of that, and the physical play will come out of that.”
UTSA will face the University of South Florida at 7 p.m. Thursday at Park West Athletics Complex.
