NORMAN — The Oklahoma soccer team opens its 2020 home slate Friday night vs. Texas Tech (0-1-1) at John Crain Field in Norman. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT and the match can be watched on FOX Sports Oklahoma.
"This week we've really focused on how we can improve from the last game and we've kept half an eye on Texas Tech and where their strengths are," said OU head coach Mark Carr. "We know they're a strong, physical and combative team. I think we know how they play and where they can hurt us, but we know where we can hurt them as well.
"I think it should be a good game and I'm looking for a big time response from our group. Before the outcome comes the performance and that's what we've really zoned in and focused on."
Senior goalkeeper Nikki Panas looks to have another strong performance against the Red Raiders after posting seven saves a season ago.
"It's nice to play on your home turf so I'm definitely excited," said Panas. "It was an unfortunate loss on the road but I think it set the standard for us. We have the foundation to build on now. It showed us humility and how we need to perform.
"I think it'll be a good showcase of our character tomorrow night at home as we try to bounce back."
GAMEDAY STORYLINES
MATCH BASICS
The Sooners return to the pitch Friday, Oct. 2 to open the home slate at John Crain Field in Norman vs. Texas Tech.
OU, under first-year head coach Mark Carr, brings back 16 Sooners with starting experience from its 2019 squad along with the addition of four transfers and seven freshmen.
OU dropped its season opener Sept. 25 in Austin to rival Texas, 0-1. The Red Raiders, picked preseason No. 1 in the conference, come to Norman following a 0-0 tie with Baylor and a 0-1 loss to No. 6 Kansas.
The two teams faced off last September in Lubbock, a 1-1 tie after two overtimes. OU then-senior Kaylee Dao registered the Sooners goal. Goalie Nikki Panas came up with seven saves in the contest.
The match will begin at 7 p.m. CT and is available to watch on FSOK with Chad McKee and Liz Keester on the call. SoonerSports.tv analyst Megan McDonald will serve as the sideline reporter.
Due to limited seating capacity related to COVID-19 precautions, Oklahoma will not be selling season or single-game tickets for the 2020 soccer season. Home and visitor student-athletes will receive a limited number of complimentary tickets on a pass-list basis.
Those who receive tickets are required to follow CDC guidelines and wear masks at all times at John Crain Field. Gates will open one hour prior to competition time.
It is strongly suggested that those who will be in attendance at soccer games in 2020 be tested for COVID-19. Pass-list members showing any symptoms for COVID-19 should stay home as they will not be allowed inside the venues.
The University of Oklahoma enforces a clear-bag policy and walk-through metal detectors at all home athletics events. Review policies and prohibited items at SoonerSports.com/clearbags.
WE'RE BACK
After playing two exhibition games this spring, victories over Stephen F. Austin and Texas Tech, the Sooners return to competition this fall after an unprecedented spring and summer.
The Sooners looked eager to be back on the pitch in their first game against Texas. In the first 35 minutes of the game, OU recorded three shots, one on goal, and senior keeper Nikki Panas finished the night with three saves and one goal allowed. Additionally, OU finished the game with six corner kicks to UT's two and was narrowly outshot by UT 11-10 (4-3 SOG).
Transfers Sakura Yoshida and Bri Amos made their presence felt in their first game as Sooners. The two combined for four shots, three of which were on goal. True freshman Cailey England out of Dripping Springs, Texas, had a solid starting debut in the Crimson and Cream, registering two shots and playing 77 minutes.
UP NEXT
The Sooners continue their home stand by welcoming Iowa State to Norman Friday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. CT. The match is scheduled to air on FOX Sports Oklahoma.
The Link LonkOctober 02, 2020 at 05:20AM
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Sooners Open Home Slate with Tech - University of Oklahoma - Soonersports.com
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