Twitter| 2017 STATISTICAL COMPARISON | ||
|---|---|---|
| ? | OU | NEB |
| Record | 3-13-4 | 9-5-5 |
| Goals | 12 | 30 |
| Assists | 7 | 23 |
| Points | 31 | 83 |
| Shots | 197 | 302 |
| Corner Kicks | 75 | 103 |
| Saves | 108 | 53 |
| Shutouts | 4 | 8 |
| Goals Allowed | 33 | 30 |
NORMAN ??The Oklahoma soccer team opens its 2018 campaign at home against Nebraska on Thursday night. The season opener is set for a 7 p.m. start at John Crain Field.
The Sooners and Huskers last faced off in 2014 when OU earned a 2-1, double-overtime victory in Lincoln. This is the second time in program history that OU has opened its season against Nebraska, the last coming in 2012 in head coach Matt Potter's debut.
Thursday's match will air through Sooner Sports TV on Fox Sports College Central and the Fox Sports Go app. Chad McKee and former OU soccer player Molly Richey will call the action, and Megan McDonald will be on the sidelines. The match will also air on KREF radio (99.3 FM, 1400 AM).
GAMEDAY STORYLINES
A NEW YEAR BEGINS
After a tough 2017 season, the Sooners are back and ready to return to their winning ways. The journey begins this weekend as the Sooners host Nebraska. OU returns six starters from last year's squad, including 2017 All-Big 12 first team selection Kaylee Dao. OU has won five of six home openers under head coach Matt Potter and eight of their last nine, dating back to the 2008 season.
FAMILIAR FOE
OU and Nebraska are no strangers to each other, spending 15 years together as members of the Big 12 Conference before the Huskers departed in 2011. Head coach Matt Potter's first win at Oklahoma was a 2-1 victory over the Huskers in 2012. The Sooners and Huskers have only met twice in the last seven years, with OU winning both meetings.
EXHIBITION RECAP
The Oklahoma soccer team earned a victory in its final tuneup before the regular season begins, topping North Texas, 1-0, last Friday. In the 26th minute, freshman Megan Reilly found the back of the net to give OU a 1-0 lead. With the Sooners pressing deep into UNT territory, Reilly took a shot from six yards out, just getting the ball past the UNT keeper.
All three OU goalkeepers saw action, combining for seven saves. Sophomore McKinley Crone played the first 45 minutes, tallying one save. Freshman Megan McClay started the second half and had an impressive showing, notching four incredible saves. Sophomore Paige Hobart finished the game in goal for OU, recording two saves in 20 minutes in goal.
2018 SIGNING CLASS
This fall, the Oklahoma soccer team is joined by 11 freshmen in Abigail Bancroft, Cameron Tharp, Chloe Bohanon, Hailey Davidson, Megan McClay, Jackie Stacy, Jasmine Richards, Lauren Tovy, Megan Reilly, Olivia Smith and Paige Thompson will join the Sooners in 2018. Ten of the 11 players hail from the state of Texas with one coming across the pond from England.
“Each comes from a competitive club, coached by the best and having played in some of the best atmospheres,” OU head coach Matt Potter said when the class signed in February. I believe this incoming class will be lively, skilled and their energy will be fun for all Sooner soccer fans to watch.”
SCOUTING REPORT
Nebraska finished eighth in the Big Ten standings and posted a 9-5-5 overall record in 2017. The Huskers are under the direction of head coach John Walker, who is 318-151-39 in 25 seasons at the helm of the program. Junior Elyse Huber headlines the attack for Nebraska. Huber was second on the team last season with seven goals, including four game winners. Junior Aubrei Corder returns for the Huskers in goal after recording seven shutouts a year ago.?
PROMOTIONS
Face painting from 6-8 p.m.; Giveaway: aviator sunglasses to first 250 fans; Postgame autographs
FAN INFORMATION
The University of Oklahoma will join professional sports leagues and many of its college peers this fall when it introduces a clear bag policy and walk-through metal detectors at home football games and all other home athletic events. It is recommended that fans allow extra time for stadium entry.
The approved clear plastic bag size is a maximum of 12 inches x 6 inches x 12 inches or a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. Stadium policy will allow non-transparent clutch purses that are no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Bags that are necessary for medical equipment will be searched at marked medical lanes at each gate. No other bags or purses including diaper bags will be permitted and the limit on bags is one per person.
Fans will empty only cell phones, keys and metal objects larger than keys from their pockets before screening. Medical lanes will be marked around the stadium for fans who require alternate screening methods.
UP NEXT
The Sooners will travel to in-state rival Oklahoma State for the first of two Bedlam matches this season. OU and OSU will face off on Sunday at 7 p.m. in Stillwater, Okla. ?
