Notes l View the Bobcat Experience
San Marcos, Texas – The Texas State soccer team heads to Houston to end a stretch of five away games in its first six, this weekend against Houston Baptist and Rice.
The Bobcats are coming off a 3-0 victory on Tuesday against Prairie View A&M. In the victory Sydney Curry and Gabbi Cottee each had a goal and an assist. The performance gives Curry a team-leading two goals and five points on the year. It was Cottee's first career goal and third career assist.
Houston Baptist also comes in with a record of 2-2-0. The Huskies beat UTSA 1-0 in the season opener and UC Riverside, 2-1 while dropping decisions to Houston 3-2, and Loyola Marymount 2-1.
Rice enters the weekend 1-1-1. The Owls beat McNeese 2-0 on Sunday and lost to Baylor 1-0 in the season opener. The Owls tied LSU 1-1 on Aug. 24 in Baton Rouge.
Pregame Quotes
Head Coach Kat Conner
On offensive output against Prairie View A&M
“I think the second half was a lot of energy and a desire to win. I think that's what you saw, that mentality and pace that we weren't going to lose on our home field and we were going to make every effort we could to get a win. I'm proud of those players that were on the field.”
On what it will take to get through next five games, that has three top 70 RPI teams (Rice, Central Michigan, Stephen F. Austin) and a Big 12 team (TCU)
“One of the things we're always talking about it our pace and mentality. That's something we've got to bring to every game no matter who we're playing. The next part is doing the simple and basic things offensively so that you get a rhythm and gain your confidence. When the players do that, we start to get some good looks at the goal and then obviously, when you're getting better looks at the goal, you're going to get better chances to finish. It's just a work in progress, we're getting there. Are we where we want to be right now? No, but I don't want us to be there yet. It's very early in the season and we're a work in progress. The players are doing a great job and we'll be ready when in counts the most.”
On Gabbi Cottee's performance
“I'm sure if you ask Gabbi, she'll tell you it's awesome. The biggest thing about Gabbi last night was, that she brings energy, heart and soul, every day, in every practice, every game, everything. Sometimes she works so hard, she forgets where she is on the field and where her teammates are. Last night she went in with the pace and mentality, heart and desire, but she also had an awareness of where she was on the field and she knew where her teammates were. That's why I think you saw her get that first assist , then get a goal, and she had a couple other chances, that Prairie View just got their foot on and stopped. She had gotten a couple people pushed through. Serena was on the edge there on a one-time flick cross in and that's just big time. I was really proud of her for bringing that mental focus along with her, not just her heart, desire and energy. That's a step up for her to do that, and that's good for a junior, because that's where we want them to be.”
Forward Gabbi Cottee
On first career goal against Prairie View A&M
“I guess I never realized it was the first one. It's something I've looked forward to, the last two years I've been here. It's kind of relieving, because now it's like ok now that I got the first one, hopefully they keep coming.”
On how to make it more of a staple going forward
“As long as I get the opportunity to get out there and try, I'm always going to do what I like to do. Basically just putting what we learn in practice, in play. Keep fighting for a goal and have the hunger for it.”
