Soccer Plays To 2-2 Draw In Exhibition Opener

Texas Southern University soccer kicked off its 2023 season with a 2-2 draw at the end of their exhibition match against The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) on Saturday afternoon.

Unlike regular soccer matches, which consists of two 45-minute periods, today’s game consisted of three, 30-minute periods which truly tested the endurance of the Tigers as the contest was moved up two hours due to the heat.

After a scoreless first half, UTRGV took an early 2-0 lead by scoring two goals within minutes of each other during the second period.

Despite the early setback, the Tigers continued to fight both defensively and offensively throughout the match with 15 goal attempts, eight shots on targets, and two goals in total. Senior Victoria Pucci was a standout in today’s match scoring both of TSU’s goals within 10 minutes of each other in the final period.

Freshman Rayal Henderson posted three shot attempts with two on goal while Melissa Knutson and Liliane Clase Baez respectfully also had two goal attempts. Goalkeepers Jaidyn Christophe, Alicia Audu and Alyssa Hart had 13 saves between them.

The Tigers open the 2023 regular season on Thursday, Aug. 17 as they head south to Corpus Christi, Texas for a match against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.