The No. 18-ranked West Virginia University women’s soccer team defeated Houston 2-0 on Friday night at the Carl Lewis International Complex, handing the Cougars their first Big 12 Conference loss of the season. Junior Sophia Nickel scored the game-winning goal in the 63rd minute, and senior Olivia Shertzer added a second-half strike to secure the win for the Mountaineers, according to WVUsports.com. With the result, West Virginia improves its all-time record against Houston to 3-1.
Mountaineers Extend Big 12 Record to 2-1-1
With this victory, West Virginia improves its season record to 7-1-2 overall and 2-1-1 in Big 12 play. The win concludes a three-game road stretch for the Mountaineers.
The match remained scoreless through the first half. The breakthrough occurred in the 63rd minute when senior Abbey Olexa delivered a pass to Nickel at the top of the box. Nickel’s long-range shot marked her fifth game-winning goal of the season, extending her team lead to 11 points and five goals. The Golden, Colorado, native continues to lead the team in both scoring categories this year.
Shertzer Secures Lead Against Cougars
Ten minutes after the opening goal, Shertzer doubled the lead for West Virginia at the 72:11 mark. The score was her second of the season, and both of her goals this year have been struck from distance. The Lititz, Pennsylvania, native finished the contest with three shots, matching Olexa for the team lead.
While Houston outshot the Mountaineers 17-13, West Virginia maintained a 9-5 advantage in shots on goal. The Mountaineers also earned six corner kicks compared to just one for the Cougars. The Mountaineer defense, anchored by redshirt senior goalkeeper Bailey Herfurth, limited Houston to a single corner kick while earning their fifth shutout of the season and their second clean sheet.
Upcoming Home Match Against BYU
Following the road trip, West Virginia returns to Morgantown to begin a three-game homestand. The Mountaineers are scheduled to face BYU on Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. ET. The match is designated as the team’s annual pink game to promote breast cancer awareness, with fans encouraged to wear pink.
What Is the Current Status of West Virginia Women's Soccer?
What is the current status of the West Virginia women’s soccer conference standing?
West Virginia currently holds a 2-1-1 record within the Big 12 Conference following the win over Houston.
How many shutouts has the team recorded this season?
The Mountaineers have secured five clean sheets this season, including this most recent victory.
Where will the next match be held?
The team returns to Morgantown for a three-game homestand starting Oct. 8 against BYU at 7 p.m. ET.
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