Amezcua, Pole Lift UTRGV Women’s Soccer to Shutout Victory at Tarleton
By UTRGV SPORTS REPORT
STEPHENVILLE, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women’s soccer team won on the road against the Tarleton Texans (TSU) Thursday, 1-0, at the Tarleton State Soccer Complex.
In the 50th minute, senior Libby Pole scored her second career goal which was assisted by junior Isabella Burtini off a long lob from the left wing. The UTRGV counter-attack helped set up the offense, with Pole connecting on the bottom left corner of the net.
Sophomore Mariana Amezcua shined, recording a new career-high seven saves against the Texans. Her resilience was on display throughout the match as she ranged between the posts and earned her first clean sheet as a Vaquero.
UTRGV was able to take advantage offensively with limited scoring opportunities. Tarleton had the UTRGV defense on their heels, but the Vaqueros never wavered. The back line bent but never broke, helping Amezcua all night long.
Both teams fought hard defensively throughout the match, with physical play as both teams tallied yellow cards. The Texans’ Grace St. Berry and the Vaqueros’ Burtini got tied up in the 53’ minute. Both freshmanYarisah Perez and Melany Gallegos got their first yellow cards of their career in the 68th and 78th minute, respectively.
Tarleton outshot UTRGV 18-5 with a 7-5 shot on goal advantage. The Texans also had seven corners to the Vaqueros one.
The Vaqueros return home to the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex for a Sunday match against Texas A&M International, which is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.
All matches held at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex will be free and open to the public. Gates open at 10 a.m.
Fans can tune in domestically on ESPN+ or internationally through Southland International or follow along through live stats.
UTRGV Athletics has a clear bag policy for spectators attending all athletic events hosted by UTRGV. You can get all the details here.
