DENTON — The University of North Texas (UNT) soccer team played to a 1-1 draw against South Florida in their American Conference opener on Thursday night. The match was characterized by high physicality, resulting in 27 fouls, three yellow cards, and a red card.
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Despite dominating possession, outshooting South Florida (2-4-2, 0-0-1) 11-2 in the first half, UNT (4-3-2, 0-0-1) found themselves trailing 1-0 after a goal from McKenna Battilla in the 28th minute. Battilla's shot found the top corner, just beyond the reach of UNT goalkeeper Sarah Margaret Seabrook.
In the second half, the shooting was even at 6-6 as the intensity grew. UNT junior Claire Niedermeier drew a foul just outside the penalty area, leading to a free kick in the 52nd minute. Sophomore Payton Annis took the kick and delivered a precise right-footed shot into the upper corner, leveling the match at 1-1 and marking her first goal of the season.
Head coach John Hedlund praised Annis's performance, highlighting the significance of her goal. "Payton came through with a huge goal for us tonight on an incredible upper-90 free kick," he said. Hedlund noted the competitive nature of South Florida, especially with their international players, and expressed disappointment that UNT couldn't secure the win.
The match concluded with UNT's senior captain Mia Bernard receiving a red card, forcing the team to finish the final three minutes with 10 players. However, they managed to maintain the draw. The Mean Green will have the weekend off before facing Charlotte on the road next Thursday at 6 p.m.