HOUSTON – Texas Southern University salvaged a point in the team's home opener Sunday as the Lady Tigers drew 1-1 with nearby St. Thomas.
Kayla Smith claimed TSU's first goal of the season in the 51st minute with a header off the pass from Briana Norwood. Smith's redirection came from 12 yards out despite being marked well by the St. Thomas defense, and her shot had little chance of being stopped by UST goalkeeper Jordan Thompson.
The Lady Tigers improved their season record to 0-1-1 with the draw.
TSU's starting backline of Norwood, Maya Turner, Brooke Ianiero, and Bailey Blalock limited the Celts' scoring chances. Though St. Thomas outshot the Lady Tigers 12-9 (and held a 7-3 advantage in shots on goal), the Celts had few great looks at the goal. Norwood and Ianiero both played from start to finish, while Jaya Wilson also saw significant time on the field.
Wilson was denied her first collegiate goal shortly after the hour when Thompson was able to save a well-placed free kick from 40 yards out.
TSU's freshman goalkeeper Tammy Syron earned the first decision of her collegiate career, making five saves after coming into the match after halftime.
The Celts took advantage of their best scoring chance in the 75th minute when Katarina Maksimov was fouled inside the penalty area. UST's Siobhan Higgins put the ensuing penalty kick into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to pull level at 1-1.
Both sides' supporters were well-represented in the sizable and vocal crowd that came to see the non-conference matchup of schools located only 2.3 miles apart from each other. Despite being an away contest, the Celts were closer to their campus than they are for home matches at Houston Sports Park.
The Lady Tigers return to action Thursday when they host Concordia Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at as the Lady Tigers host Community Day at TSU's Durley Stadium.
Courtesy: TSU Athletics
Kayla Smith claimed TSU's first goal of the season in the 51st minute with a header off the pass from Briana Norwood. Smith's redirection came from 12 yards out despite being marked well by the St. Thomas defense, and her shot had little chance of being stopped by UST goalkeeper Jordan Thompson.
The Lady Tigers improved their season record to 0-1-1 with the draw.
TSU's starting backline of Norwood, Maya Turner, Brooke Ianiero, and Bailey Blalock limited the Celts' scoring chances. Though St. Thomas outshot the Lady Tigers 12-9 (and held a 7-3 advantage in shots on goal), the Celts had few great looks at the goal. Norwood and Ianiero both played from start to finish, while Jaya Wilson also saw significant time on the field.
Wilson was denied her first collegiate goal shortly after the hour when Thompson was able to save a well-placed free kick from 40 yards out.
TSU's freshman goalkeeper Tammy Syron earned the first decision of her collegiate career, making five saves after coming into the match after halftime.
The Celts took advantage of their best scoring chance in the 75th minute when Katarina Maksimov was fouled inside the penalty area. UST's Siobhan Higgins put the ensuing penalty kick into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to pull level at 1-1.
Both sides' supporters were well-represented in the sizable and vocal crowd that came to see the non-conference matchup of schools located only 2.3 miles apart from each other. Despite being an away contest, the Celts were closer to their campus than they are for home matches at Houston Sports Park.
The Lady Tigers return to action Thursday when they host Concordia Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at as the Lady Tigers host Community Day at TSU's Durley Stadium.
Courtesy: TSU Athletics