Houston soccer’s grit keeps it in the race for top eight in Big 12 Conference

Houston soccer dug its heels in to manage the pressure against Kansas State with a 0-0 draw, pulling out big stops, but also grappling with injuries after a hard-fought game.

Contesting 20 shots, the most taken by an opponent this season, graduate goalkeeper Lexi Gonzalez stepped up with a big performance back from injury, recording a season-high and career-high 12 saves in a single game. 

Gonzalez, representing the team’s toughness and perseverance said, “I think it’s holding on by a string”, in her statement about recovering from her arm that was dislocated earlier this season.

Against Kansas State’s high-energy, high-press formation, both of the team’s premier centerbacks, freshman Amaris Bumba and senior Alex Whitcraft, incurred injuries with less than ten minutes remaining in the match.

Houston would benefit greatly if these two can recover in time for the game Sunday against Baylor, because both have been a crucial part of the defense and lead the team as full-time starters who do not sub out. 

With six ties this season, the team breaks the previous record of five ties that was set in 2014.

The tie with Kansas State adds a point to Houston’s conference record and leaves Houston with 10 points in the conference.

For the season’s last two games, Houston depends on improving its record compared to Arizona State and BYU, who both currently have 11 points in the conference.

The team’s playoff chances are also hanging by a string. To stay in the competition for the top eight, Houston could use a win against one or both of the nationally-ranked teams they face in their last two games: No. 7 Baylor and No. 3 TCU.

Houston’s best shot at getting a win before the end of the season comes in its next match and final home-game of the season against No. 7 Baylor on Oct. 24, this Sunday, at 7 p.m.

cougarsports.one@gmail.com