Skip to content

Houston Soccer Opens Season with Draw

Box Score NORMAN, Okla. – The University of Houston Soccer program and first-year Head Coach Jaime Frias opened its 2022 season with a 1-1 draw Thursday night against Oklahoma at John Crain Field in Norman, Okla.

Houston (0-0-1) got the ball rolling early, scoring its first goal of the season in the 12th minute of action as a midfielder. Samantha Wiehe converted a penalty kick into the bottom center of the net giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead over Oklahoma (0-0-1).

Forward Janna Singleton continued to apply pressure in the 35th minute sending a shot to the top center of the net but it was saved by the Sooners goalkeeper Makinzie Short. As time expired in the first half, Houston’s defense held Oklahoma scoreless in the first half despite four first half shots and the Cougars headed into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

In the second half, defender Emma Clarke recorded a shot on goal in the 77th minute sending the ball to the bottom left corner but was denied. In the final four minutes of play, Oklahoma knocked in the equalizer as the Sooners Bailey Wesco found the net in the 86th minutes. At the end of regulation, neither team was able to take the lead and the game was recorded as a tie.

Goalkeeper Haley Woodward had her first career start with the Cougars posting six saves with five coming in the first half.

This draw marks the first between both programs with Oklahoma leading the series 2-1-1.

UP NEXT
The Cougars return to the Lone Star State for a 7 pm Sunday matchup against Lamar at the LU Soccer Complex in Beaumont, Texas. The game will be streamed here, with live stats available here.

SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win when we start Big 12 competition in July 2023. Click here to rise and be counted.

JOIN THE COUGAR RESERVES
Fans are invited to join the Cougar Reserves to support Houston Soccer. Cougar Reserves members provide financial support directly to Houston Soccer for needs beyond the program’s operating budget. For more information about levels of giving and benefits, fans can click here.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSoccer on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook page UHCougarSoccer or on the team’s Instagram page @uhcougarsoccer.