UNT Soccer Falls to No. 20 Oklahoma Despite Strong Goalkeeping Performance
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The University of North Texas (UNT) soccer team fought hard against the No. 20 ranked Oklahoma Sooners but ultimately fell 1-0 on the road.Despite a career-high performance from junior goalkeeper Alina Arneth, a rebound goal by Oklahoma’s Kayla Keefer proved to be the difference. The Mean Green will return home to face Abilene Christian on Thursday.
game Recap
The Oklahoma Sooners secured a narrow 1-0 victory over UNT on Sunday, September 1st, 2024. https://mean green sports.com/news/2024/9/1/soccer-falls-at-no-20-oklahoma.aspx Alina Arneth, making her third consecutive appearance and second start in goal for UNT, recorded a career-best three saves. Though, Oklahoma managed to score after a shot hit the goalpost and was afterward put into the net by Keefer.
UNT Head Coach John Hedlund praised his team’s resilience, especially considering the team was playing with a depleted roster. “I’m proud of my team’s fight and how we battled the No. 20 ranked team in the nation on their home turf,” Hedlund said.”Having six players out, I knew we were going to lose in the depth department tonight against OU, but our players just never quit. We all kept fighting throughout the match and almost tied it up at the end.”
The Mean Green created several offensive opportunities, including a shot from freshman Lillian Vandiver in the 69th minute that forced a save from Oklahoma goalkeeper Caroline duffy. Summer Brown and Claire Niedermeier also made impactful runs late in the game, attempting to equalize the score.
upcoming Match
UNT will return to North Texas to host Abilene Christian (ACU) on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, at 7 p.m. CT. https://mean green sports.com/sports/soccer/schedule ACU currently holds a 3-3-0 record, with wins against UTEP, Tulsa, and Houston Christian. However, they recently suffered a 1-0 loss to East Texas A&M on sunday.
Ticket Data
Fans interested in attending UNT soccer matches can contact the Mean Green Ticket Office at 940-565-2527 or via email at ticketoffice@unt.edu.The UNT Athletics Ticket office is located at Gate 2 of DATCU Stadium and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Key Takeaways:
UNT fought valiantly against a ranked opponent despite being shorthanded.
Alina arneth delivered a standout performance in goal, setting a new career-high for saves.
The Mean Green created offensive chances but were unable to capitalize.
UNT returns home to face Abilene Christian on Thursday.