Aggies Bested by Professional Houston Dash in Exhibition Match
Apr 09, 2016 | Soccer
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The Texas A&M Aggies dropped a 5-0 decision to top-tier professional side Houston Dash of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Friday evening at Ellis Field.
The match was the penultimate event for the Aggies this spring. It also served as the last tune-up for the Dash who rumble into their season opener next weekend.
The Aggies were playing without three key weapons of their arsenal. Stephanie Malherbe is in South Africa attempting to make Banyana Banyana's Olympic squad. Ally Watt is training with the United States U-20 Women's National Team. All-American Mikaela Harvey was also not available for the match.
The youthful Aggie side gave up three set-piece goals to the professionals in the first half and found themselves in a 4-0 hole at the intermission. With the three set piece goals removed from the equation, the Aggies held the Dash to just four shots in the first half, including two shots-on-goal.
The Maroon and White held Houston scoreless in the first 43 minutes of the second half. Former Aggie standout Bianca Brinson assisted on the Dash's final goal of the match, setting up a score by Chioma Ubogagu in the 89th minute.
Texas A&M wraps up the spring slate on Saturday, April 16 as the Aggies host the Northwestern State Lady Demons in a 7 pm contest at Ellis Field.
TEXAS A&M QUOTES
Head Coach G Guerrieri
On the match…
"This was a great experience for our young players. I thought the Dash was very impressive in the way they played. They look ready to roll into the NWSL season next weekend. Giving up three first half goals on set-pieces to a professional side was a solid learning experience for our side, and I was pleased with the way we came out after halftime and played in the second half."
On playing without several starters available…
"Playing without some of our personality players (Watt, Harvey, and Malherbe) was a challenge, but it provided a great opportunity for our younger, less experienced players. This is an experience that very few college players get, and I know our players gained a great deal."
On the Dash…
"I'm a fan of the Dash and will be cheering for Randy (Waldrum) and the team to make the NWSL playoffs and compete for a league title. I hope that all of south Texas will embrace the franchise, buy season tickets, and get on board with women's professional soccer. The Dash have a great product for soccer fans, families, and sports fans in Houston!"
On the atmosphere at Ellis Field…
"It was great to see so many fans at Ellis Field for this game - there were well over a thousand people in the stadium for the exhibition. I think our players learned a lot tonight, and am looking forward to the coming week of training before we wrap up the spring season here next Saturday night against Northwestern State."
The match was the penultimate event for the Aggies this spring. It also served as the last tune-up for the Dash who rumble into their season opener next weekend.
The Aggies were playing without three key weapons of their arsenal. Stephanie Malherbe is in South Africa attempting to make Banyana Banyana's Olympic squad. Ally Watt is training with the United States U-20 Women's National Team. All-American Mikaela Harvey was also not available for the match.
The youthful Aggie side gave up three set-piece goals to the professionals in the first half and found themselves in a 4-0 hole at the intermission. With the three set piece goals removed from the equation, the Aggies held the Dash to just four shots in the first half, including two shots-on-goal.
The Maroon and White held Houston scoreless in the first 43 minutes of the second half. Former Aggie standout Bianca Brinson assisted on the Dash's final goal of the match, setting up a score by Chioma Ubogagu in the 89th minute.
Texas A&M wraps up the spring slate on Saturday, April 16 as the Aggies host the Northwestern State Lady Demons in a 7 pm contest at Ellis Field.
TEXAS A&M QUOTES
Head Coach G Guerrieri
On the match…
"This was a great experience for our young players. I thought the Dash was very impressive in the way they played. They look ready to roll into the NWSL season next weekend. Giving up three first half goals on set-pieces to a professional side was a solid learning experience for our side, and I was pleased with the way we came out after halftime and played in the second half."
On playing without several starters available…
"Playing without some of our personality players (Watt, Harvey, and Malherbe) was a challenge, but it provided a great opportunity for our younger, less experienced players. This is an experience that very few college players get, and I know our players gained a great deal."
On the Dash…
"I'm a fan of the Dash and will be cheering for Randy (Waldrum) and the team to make the NWSL playoffs and compete for a league title. I hope that all of south Texas will embrace the franchise, buy season tickets, and get on board with women's professional soccer. The Dash have a great product for soccer fans, families, and sports fans in Houston!"
On the atmosphere at Ellis Field…
"It was great to see so many fans at Ellis Field for this game - there were well over a thousand people in the stadium for the exhibition. I think our players learned a lot tonight, and am looking forward to the coming week of training before we wrap up the spring season here next Saturday night against Northwestern State."
Players Mentioned
The Aggie Soccer Hour (Extra)
Wednesday, September 17
The Aggie Soccer Hour (Ep 3)
Wednesday, September 10
Weekly Press Conference: G Guerrieri
Monday, September 08
Highlights: Texas A&M 1, TCU 2
Sunday, September 07
