The UT Longhorns dropped their season opener Friday, 2-1 to TCU, and with it went a 26-game home unbeaten streak, dating back to 2006. It was a disappointing performance – the Horns were outshot 14-7, and let an unheralded Horned Frog squad totally dominate for long stretches – but as I noted last week, this is a young team, and they’ll get better as the season progresses.
Emily Anderson, the Horns’ second-leading scorer last season and who was expected to lead the attack this year, played instead at left back and, well, it wasn’t pretty. A horrible back pass to no one led to the first TCU goal, and she looked tentative throughout. Coach Chris Petrucelli clearly moved her back there to anchor a young and thin defense; it’ll be a learning experience. Biggest plus: freshman forward Leah Fortune had a great game – a lot of good possession, a gorgeous, cheeky goal chipped over the keeper, and several dangerous runs. She’s going to be a star. The Horns host Houston this Friday, Aug. 28, at 7pm at Mike Myers Stadium; there are two ticket promos: donate five canned goods and get a free ticket, or buy one, get one free.
New Jersey’s Sky Blue FC finished an unlikely run to the first Women’s Pro Soccer championship Saturday, beating the L.A. Sol 1-0. The WPS All-Star Game is 4pm this Sunday, Aug. 30, live on FSC and FSN.
This article appears in August 21 • 2009.