Season Gets Off To Slow Start For UTD

Comets Shut Out By Rhodes In Opener; Fall to Birmingham Southern

MEMPHIS, TN - The University of Texas at Dallas women's soccer team finally got its first goal of the season Sunday afternoon, but still came up on the short end of both opening weekend games. UTD lost its opener Saturday, 3-0, to Rhodes College; then fell 3-1 to Birmingham Southern on Sunday.

RHODES 3, UTD 0
UTD, which entered the season understanding that offense would be a challenge this year, actually outshot the hosts, 8-6; but could not get the ball past Rhodes goalkeeper Becca Clarin, who stopped six shots on goal. Meanwhile, Rhodes punched in a pair of shots in the first half, then scored again 10 minutes into the second period to claim the win. For UTD, Lauren Huffman, Stephanie Ross and Emily George each had two shots on goal.

BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN 3, UTD 1
The Comets met an even stiffer challenge on Sunday and again fell behind 3-0. But in the second half, UTD Coach John Antonisse said his young team started to come together and pressure the ball offensively. Sophomore Britney Schuelke (pictured) finally worked a ball to the back of the net on a carom for the first UTD goal of the season.