Sizzling Soccer Squad Set for Home Opener
A sizzling start and a ferocious focus is fueling thoughts of a special season for the Texas Soccer team.
Staying rooted and humble like their head coach, Ange Kelly, the Longhorns nonetheless sense something else brewing beneath the surface for this year's squad.
Taking Texas to the top of the soccer world.
Heading into her last season on the Forty Acres, senior Kayla Dollas felt a range of emotions, most of all, this is Texas time to shine on the pitch. Coming off a huge win against UCF and an equally big tie against North Carolina, which were both ranked at the time, the Horns (2-0-1) home opener is tonight at Mike A. Myers Field at 7 p.m. hosting Long Beach State.
In the early going Texas already has experienced tests and situations that should set them on a steady course throughout this season. Striking a chord with the soccer world after just three matches, the Longhorns are now ranked No. 16 by Top Drawer Soccer, No. 17 by Soccer America and come in at No. 23 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll.
Standing steady in the net, junior goalie Nicole Curry and the stout defense in front of her is a huge reason for Texas success so far. And reason for all the optimism going forward. Since Kelly took over the team in 2012, the Longhorns have allowed more than two goals in one match a mere six times — three of those coming in that first season.
LONGHORNS IMPACT ACROSS THE CONTINENT
♦ TV: The match will be broadcast live on Longhorn Network (accessible through WATCHESPN with certain cable providers) with Glenn Davis (play-by-play) and Kristine Lilly (color) on the call. You can watch online here: LINK
♦ Texas freshman midfielder Julia Grosso received a call-up to the Canadian Senior Women's National Team for a Sept. 2 friendly against Brazil in Ottawa, Ontario, and will not be available for the Longhorns against either Long Beach State or Sunday against Stephen F. Austin.
♦ The Longhorns are 8-0-1 over their last nine August matches with their last loss during the month coming back on Aug. 19, 2016, against Seattle (1-0).
♦ After scoring all three Texas goals during a 1-0-1 trip to Chapel Hill, N.C. against No. 4 North Carolina and No. 23 UCF, junior forward Cyera Hintzen added more national honors to her resume on Aug. 28. The Garland, Texas native was chosen as the United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Week and an honorable mention choice to Top Drawer Soccer's National Team of the Week.
