ABILENE, Texas \u2014 The University of Houston Soccer team hits the road to face Abilene Christian at 7 p.m., Thursday from Elmer Gray Stadium.<\/p>\n
Watch<\/a> | Stats<\/a> | Game Notes<\/a><\/p>\n LAST TIME OUT Freshman Elle Sloan<\/a> notched her first-career goal as junior Laney Gonzales<\/a> served a cross into the box for Sloan to head into the net in the 61st minute.<\/p>\n ABOUT THE COUGARS<\/p>\n
The Cougars have allowed just one goal to non-conference opponents in the Ben Williams<\/a> Era.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With double-digit shot outputs in their\u00a0 first two games, the Cougars recorded double-digit shots in every non-conference game of the Ben Williams<\/a> Era so far and was the sixth time with 20 or more attempts.<\/p>\n
Five of Houston’s opponents are featured in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 \u2014 Vanderbilt (T3), West Virginia (7), UCF (14), Kansas (17),\u00a0 and Memphis (24).<\/p>\n
The Cougars face four opponents for the first time this season. Houston faces FGCU, Northwestern State, Abilene Christian and Vanderbilt for the first time in program history.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Houston returns 14 players from the 2025 season including three players that missed last season due to injuries.<\/p>\n
Among those returning is All-Conference standout Samira Minor<\/a> who earned a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team and All-Big 12 Freshman Team after leading the Cougars with six goals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Cougars return more than 70 percent their production from last season as 24 of the team’s 34 goals are back along with 62.5 percent of assists also returning.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Houston welcomes 15 newcomers including eight transfers and seven freshmen.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Fifth-years Ella Morgan<\/a> and Morgan Donohue<\/a> along with junior Casey Maddox<\/a> were voted captains for the 2026 season.\u00a0<\/p>\n
ABOUT ABILENE CHRISTIAN<\/p>\n
Abilene Christian is 1-1-1 to start the season with a win against Jackson State (3-1), a loss against New Mexico State (0-1) and a tie against UTEP (0-0).<\/p>\n
Head Coach Stephen Salas is in his fourth season leading The Wildcats with a 16-28-14 record at Abilene Christian.<\/p>\n
Abilene Christian’s roster is composed of 12 returners and 15 newcomers.<\/p>\n
HISTORY WITH ABILENE CHRISTIAN<\/p>\n
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS STAY CONNECTED<\/p>\n Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarSoccer<\/a> on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook page at UHCougarSoccer<\/a> or on the team’s Instagram page at @uhcougarsoccer<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2013 UHCougars.com \u2013<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
\nHouston took down Tarleton State, 4-1, on Sunday.\u00a0 Sophomore Bailey Cate<\/a> opened the scoring in the 18th minute when she scored a goal in her second-straight game while junior Skylar Miller<\/a> doubled the lead in the 51st minute with a header from juniors Jada Arthurs<\/a> and Blake Hodgson<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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\n\tThis is the first meeting between Houston and Abilene Christian.
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\nFans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Soccer by purchasing tickets<\/a>, providing NIL opportunities<\/a> and by joining the Golden Goal Club<\/a> which provides financial support directly to Houston Soccer for needs beyond its operating budget.<\/p>\n