UTB-TSC women's soccer team settles for 1-1 tie in scrimmage finale
The dress rehersal is over for the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College women's soccer team as the Scorpions tied Texas A&M International of Laredo 1-1 at REK Center Field on Sunday in their final scrimmage.
The UTB-TSC women, who return all but one starter from last year's 11-5-2 squad that won the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament and advanced to the NAIA national tournament, open the 2010 season at home at 6 p.m. Saturday against NAIA nationally No. 9-ranked William Carey University of Mississippi.
The Scorpions were coming off Friday's 2-1 scrimmage loss at home to Monterrey Tech. On Sunday, they built a 1-0 first-half lead before Texas A&M International scored the equalizer in the second period.
"I think we're getting closer and closer to where we want to be," UTB-TSC women's soccer coach Nikola "Nik" Barjaktarevic said. "We're seeing some players who are really starting to step up, and there are glimpses of what we can do. We just have to do it consistently.
"Texas A&M International is an improved team, and playing a team like Monterrey Tech will definitely help us," he added. "In the postseason, we'll see teams just as good or better than Monterrey Tech. I'd rather be here at this point with two (scrimmage) wins, but at the same time, we've given a lot of players a chance to show what they can do and we haven't had any serious injuries. Everyone should be ready to play for our season opener."
The Scorpions went on top 1-0 during the 15th minute when junior midfielder Helen Wagstaff launched a perfectly placed shot from 35 yards that just carried over the A&M International goalkeeper before settling into the back of the net.
The Dustdevils' tying score came during the 70th minute when a high ball came down in a crowd and was headed into the goal from close range by Thelma Garcia. The Scorpions pressed the attack during the final minutes, but could not come up with another tally.
"We're just getting ready for the regular season and a tough schedule ahead, always looking down the road to the postseason," Barjaktarevic said. "We're basically satisfied with how the team is doing, but we're not real happy because we had some set goals (of winning) these scrimmages. We still have some things to work on so we can get better."
Roy Hess writes for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him via e-mail at rhess@brownsvilleherald.com
