Soccer Loses Season Opener At No. 8-Ranked Texas, 4-0

`Dogs suffer their worst defeat since an identical 4-0 loss to Mississippi State in 2001

Aug. 22, 2008

AUSTIN, Texas - The Samford University soccer team squared off against its highest-ranked opponent since the 2005 season Friday and dropped a 4-0 decision on the road versus the eighth-ranked Texas Longhorns at the Mike A. Myers Soccer Stadium.

Samford (0-1) suffered its worst defeat since a similar 4-0 defeat versus Mississippi State in 2001. The eighth-ranked Texas Longhorns were the Bulldogs' highest-ranked opponent since facing the No. 4-ranked Pepperdine Waves in the second round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament.

Texas (1-0) opened the scoring during the 11th minute of play as freshman midfielder Courtney Goodson tallied her first career goal to give the Longhorns a 1-0 lead. On the game-winning score, Goodson registered an unassisted goal to give Texas its early advantage.

During the 34th minute of play, Texas extended its lead to 2-0 with a goal from senior defender Stephanie Logterman. The score was the first of two for Logterman, who later added another goal in the 62nd minute to give the Longhorns a 4-0 advantage.

Texas' third goal of the match was tallied by freshman Amanda Lisberger during the 60th minute of the season-opening contest. Lisberger's score was achieved as a previous shot ricocheted off Samford goalkeeper Alyssa Whitehead to provide an open net for the goal.

Samford's Whitehead, a true freshman, made her first career start Friday and allowed four goals in 90 minutes of play. The Bulldogs' native of Hattiesburg, Miss., also set a personal career-high with nine saves in the game.

Samford, which played without the services of a number of injured players Friday, was outshot 17-3 in its season opener of the 2008 campaign.

The Bulldogs were led offensively by junior Amber Cress, redshirt freshman Sarah Wilkinson and sophomore Kelly Shaffer. All three Samford players finished with one shot apiece.

The Samford University soccer team will next be in action Friday, Aug. 29, as the Bulldogs continue their eight-game, season-opening road trip against the Milwaukee Panthers at 7 p.m., in Milwaukee, Wis.