CEDAR CITY, Utah - After suffering their first defeat against a WAC opponent this season on the road to conference-leading New Mexico State, the Southern Utah University women's soccer team will return home to host Sam Houston Sunday, October 9 at 2 p.m. MT.

Game Info

Southern Utah vs Sam Houston

Date: October 9, 2022

Kickoff: 2 PM MT

Location: Cedar City, Utah 

Stream: ESPN+

Live Stream | Live Stats

Preview 

The Thunderbirds will seek to bounce back after dropping their first conference match of the season Friday evening in rainy conditions against New Mexico State. SUU conceded two early goals in the match, but dominated possession throughout the last 45 minutes of gametime; however, they were unable to score for the first time this season.

Southern Utah will welcome a talented Sam Houston team to Cedar City. The Bearkats hold an overall record of 3-7-2 and a conference mark of 2-4-1; but, three of their four losses in WAC play have been one-goal defeats. 

The Bearkats have struggled offensively this season, amassing just nine goals through their 11 matches thus far. Fifth-year Kailey Pena has led the way for the Sam Houston offense, scoring three goals, while placing 57.1 percent of her 21 shots on frame this year. Junior forward Landri Towsend has also had a strong season for the Bearkats, scoring two goals and tallying one assist, as the duo has made a formidable pair up top. 

Defensively, Sam Houston has conceded 18 goals this season, including eight in conference play. Savannah Hall and Tatum Krueger have split time in the net this season, with Tatum making seven starts and Hall making five. Tatum has been solid in her seven starts, compiling a goals against average of 1.14, while making 47 saves this year. 

The Thunderbird offense will look to get back on track after being shut out for the first time this season. 

Redshirt-freshman forward Whitney Wangsgard still ranks in the top-five of the WAC for points this season, sitting in fourth place with 14 overall points, and freshman Sammie Sofonia is in a tie for second overall for goals scored with six. 

Wangsgard, and senior forwards Rachael Hunt and Kate Schirmer will seek to put pressure on the Sam Houston backline and goalkeeper early in the match, and build a first-half advantage for the Thunderbirds.

SUU Goalkeeper Megan Short has continued her exceptional play, despite giving up two goals against New Mexico State, she finished the game with an impressive eight saves. 

The Thunderbirds have only dropped one match on their home field this season, and are currently 2-0 at home against WAC opponents, as they hope to become the first team in program history to win their first three conference matches at home.

Notable Stats:

• Southern Utah boasts the 11th best scoring offense in the country.

• The Thunderbirds rank in a tie for 15th in the country in goals against average.

• SUU Goalkeeper Megan Short has the eight highest save percentage in the nation.

• Southern Utah soccer has never won their first three home conference matches before. 

• SUU holds a winning margin of +1.91, which ranks as the highest in the Western Athletic Conference. 

History

Sunday's contest between Southern Utah and Sam Houston will mark the first time in history that the two teams have faced off on the soccer field.

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