Sooners Shut Out Albany in Season Opener

Thursday, August 22

Norman

7:00 PM

University of Oklahoma

1-0-0

Albany

0-1-0

UALBANYW

Photo by: Ty Russell

Sooners Shut Out Albany in Season Opener

August 23, 2019 | Soccer

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By: Lindsey Morrison

NORMAN – The Oklahoma soccer team started the 2019 season off with a victory, defeating the University of Albany, 1-0, Thursday night at John Crain Field. The Sooners' season opening win got off to a late start after lightning in the area forced the game to be delayed over two hours.

OU needed just one goal to secure the victory and relied on sophomore goalkeeper Megan McClay for the first clean sheet of the year. McClay had to face just one shot on goal as the Sooner defense held UAlbany to just two shots on the night.

"Anytime you get to play a game you want to perform to win," head coach Matt Potter said. "We showed the character in the second half with some adjustments that really showed that we can adapt to what the game gives us, and I'm really pleased with the clean sheet. Obviously to score the goal to get the win is encouraging."

The first goal of the season came off the foot of junior transfer Yuuka Kurosaki in the 48^th minute. Kurosaki converted a free kick opportunity, beautifully curling the ball into the net past the outstretched reach of the Albany goalie.

"I'm excited for her," Potter said. "She's worked very hard to put herself in a position to contribute and she's shown that she's more than capable of contributing and I'm delighted she got the goal today."

The Sooners tallied just two shots in the first half while the defense surrendered none to Albany. Sophomore Megan Reilly nearly put OU ahead in the 11^th minute with a shot just inside the right post. The Great Danes keeper was able to make the save, keeping the game scoreless.

In the second half OU came out firing on all cylinders, notching nine shots in the final 45 minutes. OU had multiple goal scoring opportunities, including a great look from sophomore Jazzy Richards in the 85^th minute that just sailed wide of the target.

McClay recorded her lone save in the second half as the backline allowed just two shots.

"I felt really confident especially with the backline that we have," McClay said. "One of the goals is to get as many shutouts this year as possible. Game one we get it done."

With 16 newcomers on the team, five were represented in the starting lineup and eight saw time on the field. The Sooners started three freshmen with Jordan Lund, Shalom Prince and Sydney Sheehan all earning their first collegiate starts.

"It was really exciting just to get out there and participate," Lund said. "This is such a great culture and the tradition and wearing the crest it's just an awesome feeling. It's honestly unmatched, you can't beat it. Being able to start, being a freshman that can contribute and play in the first match, it's a testament to how much all of us are working and how hard the whole team is working together."

The Sooners will travel to Fayetteville, Ark., for a Sunday night matchup with Arkansas. The match is slated for a 6 p.m. start on the SEC Network.