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The Texas women's soccer team kicked off its 2004 campaign Wednesday with a 4-1 exhibition match victory against No. 16 UCLA.
With only one week of preparation under its belt, the Longhorns made a solid showing against last year's Pac-10 champion. Four different players scored goals and goalkeeper Dana Hall recorded three saves to preserve the victory.
"Our squad performed like a mature and confident team [Wednesday]," Texas head coach Chris Petrucelli said. "We were focused right from the opening whistle, and that showed in the result."
The eighth-ranked Longhorns displayed their versatility on the field in their first and only exhibition game of the season. The Longhorns and Bruins were knotted at zero for a mere three minutes before freshman Caitlin Kennedy set up fellow newcomer Kelsey Carpenter for the first goal of the game. Shortly thereafter, sophomore Amy Burlingham stretched the lead to 2-0 before UCLA's Brystin Davis scored before the end of the half.
From there, the Longhorn seniors added two more goals. Kelly Wilson drilled a shot into the back of the net at the 70 minute mark. Then, with 11 minutes remaining in the game, Wilson assisted Kristen Teter to extended the lead to 4-1.
"What we proved [Wednesday] was that we can score goals," Petrucelli said. "Teams that can score have a chance to win any game in which they play."
A Look Ahead
If the exhibition game is any sort of a sign, Texas will be prepared to enter this year with a solid shot at a conference title and another NCAA tournament berth. The Longhorns are currently projected to place second in the league behind Texas A&M and are riding a streak of three consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
The 2004 campaign will not be a cakewalk, however. The Longhorns will be looking to rebound from an upset loss against Oklahoma State in the quarterfinals of the Big 12 tournament last year as well as an early first round exit in the NCAA tournament. Eight of the eleven teams in the Big 12 made it to the NCAA tournament last season, more than any other conference in the nation. Three of the teams (including Texas) have recruiting classes in the top 10 and all of the teams return solid talent.
Helping out along the way will be the third-ranked recruiting class in the nation according to Soccer America. Five highly touted freshmen will join 18 letter-winners from last year, including 10 starters. The Longhorns also claim two NSCAA All-Americans in Wilson and fellow senior Kelly McDonald.
Petrucelli, returning for his sixth season as the head man of the Longhorns, will be looking for his fourth straight double digit win year. He will be aided this time around by former Mississippi State head coach Neil McGuire. McGuire will fill in for former Longhorn assistant coach Tony Capasso, who resigned this summer.
Preseason Awards
Four Longhorns were named to preseason All-Big 12 lists. Defenders Charisse Co and Laura Kram, midfielder Nikki Thaden and McDonald all earned preseason nods.
Up Next
The Longhorns will open the regular season against Clemson on Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m. The game will be the first of four straight home matches.
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