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Mustangs up first for UT soccer
Longhorns open season without seven seniors from 2004 squad
By Ryan Parr
When the Texas soccer team kicks off its 2005 schedule tonight at home against Southern Methodist University, the Longhorns will be looking to improve upon last year's 15-win season that culminated in a trip to the NCAA tournament's round of 16. Topping a school-best run in the postseason is tough enough, but that goal becomes even more difficult to attain considering the squad lost seven seniors - including Kelly Wilson and Kelly McDonald, Texas' all-time leaders in points and goals scored, respectively. However, with a solid class of nine freshmen and a recommitment to stingy defense, the Longhorns are optimistic about their chances. The Longhorns look to their five returning starters to lead the way and mentor their new freshmen teammates as they face a competitive Big 12 conference. Picked to finish third in the conference's preseason poll behind Texas A&M and Nebraska, the Longhorns have already demonstrated a strong pledge to defensive proficiency in two exhibition matches. In a combined 180 minutes of action, Texas allowed only a single goal in two road victories. First, the women traveled to Winston-Salem, N.C., where they upset No. 21 Wake Forest 2-1 behind two goals from sophomore forward Kelsey Carpenter. The team's second-leading goal-scorer last season, Carpenter was named to the 2005 Preseason All-Big 12 Soccer Team alongside sophomore midfielder Caitlin Kennedy, who was a Soccer America Freshman All-American last season. Following the victory over the Demon Deacons, Texas stayed in the Tarheel State to battle University of North Carolina-Greensboro two days later. The Longhorns dominated the Spartans defensively, holding them to three shots in the match. A lone second-half goal by freshman Erin Davis proved to be enough for the Longhorns, as they won the match 1-0 and finished their exhibition road trip unbeaten. Texas hopes to ride its successful start into the regular season, as the Longhorns open up with a pair of home matches this weekend. The Longhorns face off with the Mustangs of SMU at 7:30 tonight at Myers Stadium. The two teams last met in Dallas last October, as Texas rallied from behind twice to even the score before settling for a 2-2 tie in double overtime. Following Friday's match, the Longhorns will host Auburn on Sunday evening. Originally scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff, the match was moved up to 7 p.m. to be televised lived on ESPNU. The Tigers, who won 15 games last season, begin their regular season tonight when they play at Rice. Following the two home matches to open the season, Texas travels north to battle Michigan and Michigan State on the road the following weekend. The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely.
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