No. 14 Rice Drops First Match of the Season to SMU

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HOUSTON — Despite an evenly played match, Courtney Sebazco connected on a penalty kick in the 78^th minute to hand 14^th-ranked Rice Soccer its first defeat of the season, 1-0, Sunday evening from Holloway Field.

The Details
SMU had the first few chances in the first 20 minutes, getting three shots off. But Rice began to apply the pressure. In the 19^th minute, junior midfielder Madison Kent sent a shot toward the right corner, but SMU goalkeeper Tatum Sutherland just got a hand on it to deflect it past the net. Three minutes later, the Owls had a pair of opportunities, but Kent's shot was blocked and the rebound went straight to Natalie Gorji, who sent a shot wide left. Mikala Furuto then stole the ball in the 24^th minute, but Sutherland made the save. SMU had the best chance of the half in the 36^th minute when Lindsey Whitmore's shot from the top of the box hit the crossbar. Junior midfielder Delaney Schultz then had a chance with five minutes left in the half, but Sutherland made a diving save to keep the game scoreless heading into halftime.

Furuto opened the second half with a great chance from in front, but sent the shot wide. But in the 52^nd minute, Vyviene Spaulding was called for a red card, forcing the Owls to play the rest of the game down a player. Though it didn't affect the Owls, as they kept SMU off the scoreboard. However, in the 78^th minute, Rice was called for a foul in the box and the Mustangs were awarded a penalty kick. Sebazco placed the ball inside the left post to give SMU the lead. Rice thought they tied the match less than a minute later, but Natalie Gorji was called for a handball, negating the goal. Rice put pressure on in the final 10 minutes, but could not get the equalizer.

What Brian Lee Had to Say
"I thought we played great. In the first half, we might have been a little soft on our 50-50's. But it was still an even game. Then, something we really have never seen, putting us down to 10 players. I thought we responded great. We had plenty of chances to score. I couldn't be more pleased with the character of the team. SMU is a good team. To create that many chances with 10 players and play that well, it's a really positive sign moving forward."

Up Next
Rice leaves Houston for the first time when it travels to El Paso to face UTEP in its conference opener next Thursday, Sept. 16. Match time is scheduled for 8 p.m. and will be livestreamed by CUSAtv.

Notes
• Rice falls to 6-1-1 on the season.
• Rice dropped to 6-13-2 all-time against SMU and 3-5-1 at Holloway Field.
• The Owls outshot SMU, 16-to-15 and held an 8-to-5 advantage in shots on goal.
• Rice was held off the scoreboard in a regular season match for the first time since Mar. 11, 2021 against Houston.
• MF Madison Kent and D Ziyana Samanani made their first starts of the season.

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