Texas State’s comeback fell just short as the Bobcats were defeated by the Houston Cougars 3-2.
Despite the loss, Head Coach Steve Holeman was proud of the team after the Bobcats trailed 2-0 at halftime only to tie the Cougars early in the second half.
“It was a fantastic game,” Holeman said. “Even if you were not a soccer fan, if you can come tonight, it was exciting, back and forth, and 2-nil at halftime. We always felt we were still in the game. Then when we got the first one, the second one came pretty quickly, and we had a chance to go up 3-2. They got one on us, but it didn’t stop us from continuing to press and get opportunities.”
Knowing how talented the Cougars are, Holeman continued to reiterate the need to play tough competition in non-conference to help the Bobcats play in Sun Belt competition.
“Houston is a very good team,” Holeman said. “I told the team that we can walk out of here with a clear conscience knowing that you gave everything and you fought hard. It just didn’t go our way, but these are the games that help us get better and prepare us for conference play.”
Trailing 2-0 after halftime, the Bobcats cut the deficit down to one goal after sophomore midfielder Victoria Meza put the ball past the goalkeeper on the header, coming off the free kick assist from sophomore midfielder Kaylie Smith, making it a 2-1 game.
With less than two minutes from the Bobcats first goal, Texas State struck again. Junior forward Mady Soumare received the pass from senior Zoe Junior on the free kick. Soumare dribbled through several Houston defenders before beating the goalkeeper for her team leading fourth goal of the year and tying the at 2-2.
The Bobcats had their chance to take their first lead of the game but the Cougar defense rebuffed Texas State’s efforts.
The Cougars were able to retake the lead when Juliet Moore scored her third goal of the game to complete the hat trick in the 59th minute to seal the win.
Texas State will go on a five game road trip with their first stop against the Oklahoma State Cowgirls tonight at 7 p.m.
cmcwilliams @sanmarcosrecord.com Twitter: @ColtonBMc
