Soccer Drops Season Opener to No. 23 SMU, 2-1

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DALLAS, Texas — Courtney Sebazco's goal in the 65^th minute was the difference as Rice fell to No. 23 SMU, 2-1, in both teams' season opener.

The Details
SMU had the first scoring chance in the fifth minute, but its attempt was sent over the net. A minute later, Jules Johnston was taken down at the top of the box. Bella Killgore took advantage, putting the free kick into the right corner of the net to give Rice the 1-0 lead. Rice had a chance to double its lead when SMU was given a red card immediately followed by a yellow. Delaney Schultz took a penalty kick, but SMU goalkeeper Samantha Estrada made the diving save. The Mustangs were then given three straight corner kicks in the 19^th minute, converting on the third as Julissa Cisneros' header went over Killgore into the top of the net. SMU kept on the attack, but Rice was able to keep them off the board as they headed into halftime tied at one.

SMU started off the second half getting two shots on goal, but Killgore was there to make the save each time. Play slowed down before the Owls got on the attack, but could not get a shot off. In the 65^th minute, SMU's Courtney Sebazco dribbled down the right side and fired a shot from 30 yards into the top left corner to give the Mustangs the lead. Four minutes later, Grace Collins went down the middle and hit Izzy McBride with a beautiful pass. But her shot on net was stopped by Estrada. In the 78^th minute, Kallie McKinney's throw-in found Shiloh Miller in front of the net, but her attempt was wide. Rice had one last chance in the 89^th minute when Jules Johnston found McKinney right in front of the net, but her shot ended up straight on the goalkeeper.

Up Next
The Owls will open their home schedule this Sunday, August 21 when it hosts Samford at 1 p.m. The match will be streamed on CUSAtv.

Notes
• F Jules Johnston, D Carsyn Martz, MF Kallie McKinney, F Jessica Molina, and MF Bailey Peek all made their first career appearances.
• Johnston, Martz, and McKinney all made their first career starts.
• MF Madi Allen and F Grace Collins made their first appearances at Rice.
• Rice is 8-12-2 all-time in season openers.
• The Owls opened the season on the road for the first time since 2019 and the 11th time overall. When opening the season on the road, the Owls are 3-7-1.
• Rice opened the season against a ranked opponent for the first time since 2018 and the sixth time overall. The Owls are 1-5-0 when opening against a ranked opponent.
• GK Bella Killgore opened the scoring for the Owls. It was the sixth goal of her career.
• Killgore made three saves on the night.
• Killgore also led the Owls with two shots.

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