North Texas soccer set for week 1 match, hosts OU and Alabama

meangreenfaninno · August 15

The time has finally come for North Texas soccer fans as the Mean Green are set to take the field in a two-game homestand against SEC opponents the University of Oklahoma and No. 20 team in the country, University of Alabama.

North Texas’ opening week comes five days after their two away exhibition games. The first match ended in a 2-2 draw against Colorado State while the second ended in a 4-3 loss against Colorado.

Especially after their Colorado matchup, head coach John Hedlund said the team feels prepared and excited for their upcoming opponents.

"Overall, I like the way we played," Hedlund said. "We did not have much rest in between games and they rested all Thursday. I didn't know how that game would play out especially since [Colorado] is [projected] to be fourth in the Big 12 [...] We just have to clean a few things up defensively that we are working on today [during practice] for OU and Alabama and I think we will be okay."

Last season, Oklahoma ended with an 8-10-2 record tied for ninth in the Big 12 with Cincinnati. They began with a rocky non-conference schedule, losing to Samford, Gonzaga and Montana in a week-long stretch.

After ending their season in the second round of the Big 12 Championships, Oklahoma secured multiple transfers including three forwards who each have four or more years of collegiate experience.

"They brought in some solid players," Hedlund said. "A couple of them were already here [when we played during the spring] [...] We have seen most of their players. There are a few that we have not but I think it is going to be a good game."

Senior forward Bailey Wesco, who transferred from Oklahoma following the 2022 season, will have a connection to her opponents. Wesco scored six goals in her first season with the Mean Green, starting 13 of 15 games played.

"I am excited," Wesco said. "I did not have any bad vibes when I left. My coach, who was there, has left but my friends are still there. I am excited to see them and excited to play."

read more: https://www.ntdaily.com/sports/north-texas-soccer-set-for-week-1-match-hosts-ou-and-alabama/article_d0a705f0-59ab-11ef-9fec-bbde8d2bc479.html