Box Score ABILENE - The ACU women's soccer team had several close calls near the net, but could not come away with a goal in a 0-0 draw against UTEP in the season opener on Saturday night.
The Wildcats were the aggressors in the first half and played on the attack.
"[We] hit the crossbar two times in the first 10 or 15 minutes. We were all over it in the first half," head coach
Stephen Salas said.
"They made good adjustments in the second half. At the water break we asked our girls to step up, and they did, but at the same time you've got to put one in the back of the net."
ACU finished the match with five shots on goal, and goalkeeper
Lili Ross began her 2024 season with four saves and a shutout.
The physicality ramped up in the final stretch of the game. At least five yellow cards were handed out, with the majority going against visiting UTEP.
"Our girls stayed composed instead of reacting. We kept pressing on. That's the culture we're building -- being able to self-assess themselves and move on," said Salas.
"It's good we can see on their faces it hurts because we felt we should have had the winner. We have that grit, mentality and desire which is good to see."
The Wildcats will make it back-to-back home matches to kick-off the season when they host Lamar on Thursday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m.
