Soccer | August 20, 2017
Box Score
Houston, Texas - It was a tale of two halves for the Islanders this Sunday, as an early start for the hosting Rice Owls was too much for the Blue and Green to overcome in the latter 45. The evening's match was just the second-ever between the two sides, as Rice's 4-0 decision gives the program a two-match lead in the all-time series.
The Owls took shots early and often during the first but it would be the high number of corners earned in the opening half that would put the visiting Blue and Green down early. The Islanders earned the first corner of the afternoon, but were unable to put away the early tally, after defender
Megan Dodd's shot from above the 18 trailed high. The Owls would go on to earn three consecutive corners later in the half however, as defender Louise Stephens capitalized on a back door header in the 12th minute. Rice's six corners of the half would lead to another controversial second goal as a header from Samantha Chaikan was seemingly cleared off the line by Islanders defender
Alexis Urch, but was called in by the linesman. The Blue and Green would get one of their best chances of the first half off during the 42nd on a set piece header from
Mariah Ramon, however a save from the Rice keeper would lead to an eventual chance for the Owls down at the other end, and the Islanders would take a 3-0 deficit to the break.
The visiting side would take an all new approach to the second half, showing improved length of possession and overall pace.
Ashley Hamilton recorded the Islanders first shot on goal of the season in the 50th minute, after a run from
Emily Keoughan down the left sideline created a chance for the sophomore. The Owls registered more shots than the Blue and Green during the latter half, but both team's managed just a single shot on net.
The final tally would record a 4-0 loss for the Islanders, but would be a learning experience for a young squad boasting 21 underclassmen. Head Coach
Craig Shaw started five freshman in his starting lineup this Sunday, only one less than the team's record of six for an opening day match. Meanwhile Rice's starting 11 trotted out six upperclassmen, including four seniors.
- Abbie Flax earned the start at goalkeeper in her first appearance in D-I Women's Soccer, stopping five of nine shots on goal for the night
- Hamilton's shot on goal in the second was the Islander's only shot against Rice that did not come from a freshman
- With the loss, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi's record in the lone star state is 4-4 through its last eight matches.
- Of their 17 new players on this year's roster, 14 new Islanders saw PT on Sunday
- LSU transfer Alexis Urch backstopped the defense for the day, playing the entirety of the 90-minute contest
COMING UP NEXT
The Islanders are set to take on Texas State this upcoming Friday, August 25th at 7 p.m. The Bobcats lead the two's current all-time series 2-0.
STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Islanders women's soccer, follow the team on Twitter (@IslandersSoccer), Instagram (@IslandersSoccer) and like their Facebook page (Islanders Soccer).
- Go 'Ders -Â
