Aug. 26, 2005
Box Score
WACO, Texas -- Freshman Amanda McGrath's first career goal proved to be the game-winner in Baylor's soccer season opener as the Bears downed Houston 1-0 in action at Betty Lou Mays Field. With the win, Baylor improves to 1-0 on the season as Houston falls to 0-1 on the year.
"Obviously, we are pleased with the result," head coach George Van Linder said. "It is always good to start the season with a win. Hopefully, we can use the momentum we gained from this win and improve as we prepare to face Stephen F. Austin."
In the first 45 minutes of the contest, neither team had a strong opportunity to score as Baylor registered two shots on goal in the first half while the Cougars managed to put only one shot on goal in the opening frame.
However, the pace of the game picked up in the second half as Baylor began to create more and more scoring opportunities as the game wore on.
After a couple of good scoring opportunities were turned aside by the Cougar defense, Baylor finally broke through for the only goal of the match when McGrath connected on her first career goal in the 69th minute.
Following a Baylor corner kick that was deflected by the Houston defense out to midfield, Missy McConnell tracked down the loose ball and connected with freshman Andi Fagan who had a clear run down the right side of the field.
Fagan managed to evade an on-coming defender and found McGrath in the middle of the box as the freshman easily forced the Houston goalie out of position and found the back of the net to give Baylor a 1-0 lead.
Despite being down 1-0, Houston had a chance to tie the game late, however, Jessica Green's shot in the 88th minute was deflected off the line by Baylor defender Rose Zapata as the Bears went on to claim the 1-0 victory.
Ashley Holder picked up the win for Baylor and recorded her second career shutout after making five saves. The shutout by Baylor marked the first for the Bears since a 0-0 tie against Rice on Aug. 31, 2004.
Stephanie Puek took the loss for Houston after making four saves.
Each team registered 14 shots in the contest as Tiffany Boshers led the way for Baylor with four shots as Sophia Mundy tallied four shots for the Cougars.
With the win, Baylor improves to 7-1-2 all-time in home openers, with the lone loss coming at the hands of Arizona State on Aug. 31, 2001.
Baylor will return to action on Sunday, Aug. 28, at 7:00 p.m. when the Bears host Stephen F. Austin at Betty Lou Mays Field.
