BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University Cardinals took a season-high 17 shots Friday night, but couldn't find the back of the net in a 1-0 loss to visiting UTRGV in a non-conference women's soccer game at the LU Soccer Complex.
 
"We created more chances than we did last weekend, but we couldn't finish," LU coach Steve Holeman said. "We have to take advantage of our opportunities."
 
The Cardinals (0-3) held a 17-16 edge in shots against UTRGV (2-1), but only three of LU's 17 shots were on goal. The Vaqueros had eight shots on goal for the game.
 
UTRGV notched the game's only goal at the 18:16 mark of the first half as Andreya Barrera took a pass from Marcela Ramirez and ripped a shot from the right side over LU goalkeeper Rachel Gries, who made a diving attempt at the ball that was just out of her reach.
 
"The good thing is that we didn't give up. We kept fighting," Holeman said. "That was something we didn't do last week when we got behind. I believe we're heading in the right direction.
 
Gries made seven saves for LU. UTRGV goalkeeper Kinga Szemik, who was making her first appearance of the season, made three saves for the shutout.
 
M.J. Eckart led LU with four shots overall and two shots on goal.
 
The Cardinals return to action at 1 p.m. Sunday when they host TCU of the Big 12 Conference. The Horned Frogs (2-0) were idle Friday.
 
"It will definitely be a tough game," Holeman said of the contest against TCU. "They're a very good team, and they will be well rested. But these are the type of games we need to play in order to get better."
 
Fans donating gently used soccer equipment at Sunday's game will be admitted to the contest for just $1. All donated equipment will be given to the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Beaumont.