Houston Soccer Concludes Road Trip Against Cincinnati

The Cougars (8-3-3, 4-2 Big 12) face off against the Bearcats (3-6-4, 1-4-1 Big 12) as they conclude a stretch of three consecutive away games.

In their last outing, Houston secured a 3-2 victory over Arizona State in Tempe, Arizona. After conceding a goal early in the second minute, the Cougars equalized just one minute later when sophomore Samira Minor assisted senior Jocelyn Chinea. A penalty kick by senior Adelhia Ghonda in the 25th minute gave Houston a 2-1 lead after a foul was committed in the box. Senior Ava Shannon extended the lead to 3-1 with a well-taken free kick in the 31st minute. Although Arizona State scored again from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute, Houston held on for the win.

The Cougars bring back 14 players from the previous season, including three who missed the last season due to injuries. They also welcome 15 newcomers, made up of eight transfers and seven freshmen. Fifth-years Ella Morgan and Morgan Donohue, along with junior Casey Maddox, will serve as captains for the 2026 season; Maddox has been elected captain for the second straight year. Sophomore Bailey Cate and junior Skylar Miller each lead the team with six goals. Fourteen different players have scored this season, with four players netting multiple goals. The goalkeepers have achieved seven shutouts thus far.

Houston aims to secure its fifth win in Big 12 Conference play, an achievement not reached since entering the league and last accomplished in 2021. The Cougars currently hold the best goal differential in the Big 12 and rank 15th nationally.

Cincinnati comes into the match with a record of 3-6-4 and 1-4-1 in conference play. In their most recent game, the Bearcats lost 1-0 to BYU at home. Head Coach Erica Demers is in her 10th season with a career record of 65-63-36 at Cincinnati. Forward Tiana Campbell is the team's leading scorer with four goals, while goalkeeper Amber Brandon has started all 12 games, achieving four shutouts and ensuring the team has not conceded more than two goals in any game this season.

Historically, this match will mark the 19th encounter between Houston and Cincinnati, with the Bearcats leading the series 10-6-2. This will be Houston's 10th trip to Cincinnati. In their last meeting on September 18, 2025, Houston won 3-1 and is striving for consecutive victories over Cincinnati for the first time in the series.

Fans can support Houston Soccer by purchasing tickets, providing NIL opportunities, and joining the Golden Goal Club, which directly aids the team's financial needs beyond its operating budget.

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