Mean Green Soccer dominates Oklahoma - Outshoots Sooners 17 - 4 in North Texas victory

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Mean Green Shut Out Oklahoma

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DENTON — No matter where it's been, the North Texas soccer team's home stadium has been a fortress. On Thursday night, 480 days since their last home match, the Mean Green carried that tradition into this season with a 1-0 victory over Oklahoma in its home opener.

With the win on Thursday UNT (3-0) has now won 17 straight home matches, which ties the program-record. 

"Our defense was great today and played as a strong unit," said keeper Kelsey Brann. "It's a great win for sure at this point in the year."

The Mean Green, who have now shutout their first three opponents of the season, put four shots on net to the Sooners' (0-9-1) lone shot on goal in the first half. The UNT goal came in the 59th minute when sophomore Michelle Gonzalez converted a penalty kick with a right-foot strike into the bottom corner of the net. 

North Texas opened the second-half on Thursday in a flurry. They put early pressure on the Oklahoma backline and had three corners in the first five minutes of the second half. 

As UNT kept possession in the attacking third it felt as if it was only a matter of time before a goal would come. 

After a Mean Green shot attempt was blocked by the hands of a Oklahoma defender in the box, it was Gonzalez who was called on to score the eventual game-winning goal. 

"I try to keep a clear mind and trust my skill," Gonzalez said. "I knew this was a big opportunity and wanted to make sure I converted."

Since moving into the Mean Green Soccer and Track & Field Stadium last season, UNT has now posted a 10-0-0 record at home and 13-0-0 when including the conference tournament they hosted last season. During the regular season at their current second-year facility, have outscored its opponents at home 20-1 and currently have not allowed a goal in 640 consecutive minutes of action. Over the last three seasons combined, UNT has outscored its opponents at home 46-4.

"Playing at home is important," Brann said. "We take a lot of pride in making sure we protect our home field."

For more information on North Texas Soccer, follow @MeanGreenSoccer on Twitter.

 

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Edited March 5, 2021 by ADLER

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