University of Houston
Marshall
Soccer Falls 2-1 to Marshall in League Opener
9/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Sept. 26, 2008
Houston vs. Marshall Box Score 
HOUSTON -- The University of Houston soccer team fell 2-1 to Marshall in the Conference USA opener for both teams, Friday at Robertson Stadium.
Houston (4-4-0) lost its third-straight, one-goal decision. The Cougars struggled to find momentum during the first half, but some half-time changes opened things up for Houston.
"Marshall really dominated the first half," head coach Susan Bush said. "We just couldn't find our rhythm on the field.
"In the second half, we made some changes. We switched to a three forward front and we were able to get some quality chances. We just couldn't find the equalizer."
Trailing 2-1 in the 82nd minute, freshman Jessica Zavalza found the back of the net for a potential game-tying score, but was whistled for a foul by the referee, calling the goal back.
"We had a goal called back," Bush said. "Whether or not we agree with the call, it doesn't matter. It's out of our control.
"We just need to find a way to finish our chances."
Senior Brittney Pfeiffer made her return to the pitch after missing the first seven games of the season due to injury. She made her presence in the lineup felt immediately, scoring in the 49th minute to tie the game at 1-1.
Junior Nikki Echeverria played the ball across the front of the goal, finding Pfeiffer who tapped it in past Thundering Herd `keeper Liz Orton. It was her fifth career goal.
"It felt great to be back out there tonight," Pfeiffer said. "This being my senior year, I've really wanted to get back out here. I'm just a little disappointed by the result."
Marshall took an early 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute when sophomore Lauri Byrne was whistled for a foul in the Cougars' penalty box. Erika Duncan scored on the ensuing penalty kick.
Erin Blakely would put away the game-winner in the 63rd minute, heading Angela Desumma's corner into the back of the net for the final 2-1 advantage.
Houston returns to action at 1 p.m., Sunday, when the Cougars take on C-USA-rival East Carolina at Robertson Stadium.
Fans can follow live stats from the match by clicking the GameTracker link on the women's soccer schedule page on UHCougars.com
