SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Steve Holeman era of the Texas State soccer program began with a 1-0 victory Thursday night at the Bobcat Soccer Complex over St. Mary's. Tallying the lone goal of the contest was Zoe Junior with just over four minutes left on the clock.
 
It is the third time in the last four years that the Bobcats have won their season opening match.
 
"I think we made it a little more exciting than we wanted it to be. It would been great and a lot easier if we scored earlier on," said Holeman. "Credit to St. Mary's. They defended well and their keeper was good. We had a difficult time but as the end of the night we got the win."
 
TXST outshoot the Rattlers 28-1 and held a 9-0 advantage in attempts on goal. Bailey Peschel led the Bobcats with four shots and two being on frame. Taking three shot attempts apiece was Addison Peters, Haley Shaw, Avery Thies, Wimberley Wright and Junior.
 
Katelyn Chrisman picked up the win in goal, the second of her career.
 
Early in the 13th minute, the Bobcats had an opportunity to get on the board when Junior was fouled in the box to draw a penalty kick. However, the attempt sailed over the bar.
 
Alexis Neal nearly broke up the scoreless contest as a shot in the 38th minute got by the STMU goalkeeper and smacked off the right post.
 
During the midway part of the 51st minute, Kamaria Williams sent a shot toward goal that saw the keeper make a diving stop to again keep Texas State off the scoreboard.
 
A foul was committed by the Rattlers early in the 86th minute that gave a free kick to the Bobcats inside their attacking half. After receiving a short pass from Thies, Peters sent a long ball into the box with the ball bouncing past the charging keeper and Olivia Wright. Junior was following and able to beat her defender to the ball to knock it into the back of the net for her first career match-winning goal.
 

Match-winning goal by @zoejuniorr to open the Steve Holeman era.#EatEmUp pic.twitter.com/sMfo3hA9Im

— Texas State Soccer (@TXStateSoccer) August 19, 2022

 
Next up for TXST is a match against Incarnate Word on Sunday with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. at the Bobcat Soccer Complex.
 
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