Houston soccer secures first goalkeeper in SFA’s Sierra McCluer

After bidding farewell to their entire 2025 goalkeeping roster, with seniors Lexi Gonzalez and Logan Pilgreen graduating and sophomore Maggie Manning transferring, Houston officially announced its first goalkeeper addition for the 2026 season: sophomore Sierra McCluer.

“She’s battle-tested in NCAA play and brings the composure, athleticism, and shot-stopping quality of a top collegiate keeper,” coach Ben Williams said in a statement. “We are honored to bring Sierra back home to showcase her ability in front of family, friends and community.”

McCluer joins the Cougars after two seasons at Stephen F. Austin, including playing for Williams during his final season with the Ladyjacks in 2024.

In 2025, the Katy, Texas native won Southland Goalkeeper of the week, Southland Goalkeeper of the Year, earned a spot on the All-Southland First Team, the Southland All-Tournament Team and the CSC All-Academic District Team.

She started in 21 matches, making 95 saves with a 85% save percentage in 1,859 minutes played, while earning 10 clean sheets. Two of those clean sheets came against two Power Four teams in Texas A&M and Houston, where McCluer averaged nine saves across the two contests. The Ladyjacks made the Southland Conference Tournament final for a second year in a row, where they lost to Houston Christian 1-0.

In the 2024 season, McCluer started in 12 out of the 14 games played, making 36 saves with a 90% save percentage in 1,148 minutes played, while also recording five clean sheets. In the Southland Conference Tournament, she kept two clean sheets in the semifinals and finals en route to SFA winning the tournament. In her NCAA Tournament debut in the first round against No. 5 TCU, she saved 10 shots in a 1-0 loss. She won Southland Goalkeeper of the Week, was named to the Commissioner’s Honor Roll and made the conference’s All-Academic Second Team.