UNT Soccer: Short-Handed Mean Green Falls To Baylor

[meangreen11]

DENTON, Texas – A short-handed North Texas soccer team lost its first match of the 2021 season Thursday night with a 2-0 defeat at home to Baylor.

Down three starters and a key sub, the Mean Green (3-1-1) gave up two first half goals to the Lady Bears (3-2). It's UNT's first lost at home to BU since 1997.

"It was a very disappointing loss for us at home," said head coach John Hedlund. "We never got pass the questionable penalty kick that was called against us. We have to be stronger mentally and stay with our style of play throughout the game."

Baylor struck first in the 16th minute when they converted on said penalty kick following a handball call in the box. 

They'd score again roughly 15 minutes later when a breakdown by the North Texas defensive backline allowed for BU's Mackenzie Anthony to be left alone and sneak behind the UNT defense for a clear drive and 1-v-1 opportunity, which she didn't miss. 

The Mean Green had opportunities in the second half to score. They had four corner kicks in the last 45 minutes but got just one shot out of the four and it was blocked before getting close to the Lady Bears' keeper. 

"Credit to Baylor they're a good team," said senior captain Brooke Lampe. "We worked hard but at the end of the day if you don't communicate well and don't put the ball in the back of the net it doesn't matter as much. Yes the missing players hurts but we know we can do better and we'll go back and look at the film and see where we can improve."

With the lean roster, Victoria Altieri and Hadley Williams had their first career UNT starts on Thursday and seven North Texas players saw a season-high in minutes. 

The Mean Green will be right back at it on Sunday when they travel to Oklahoma to face the Sooners for a 5 p.m. CT first kick. Sunday's match will be broadcast on Bally Sports Oklahoma.  

[MeanGreenTexan]

[drex]

Are they using a basketball to play soccer now?