TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona vs. Texas Tech // Friday, Aug. 24 // 5 p.m. PST // Lubbock, Texas // John Walker Soccer Complex // Live Stream ($) // Live Stats // Twitter
ARIZONA LINKS
Stats // Roster // Game Notes // Schedule
TEXAS TECH LINKS
Roster // Game Notes // Schedule
Utah Recap
In Arizona's last match against the Utah Valley Wolverines, the Wildcats topped the competiton by a score of 5-1. Arizona's goals came from Hannah Stevens (2), Lexe Selman Richards, Maddie Bennett, and Cali Crisler. Gabi Stoian also had two assists, and true freshman Meredith Reinhardt made one save.
History with Texas Tech
The Wildcats, through 1994, are 2-2-1 against the Red Raiders. Their last match was on Sep. 11, 2015 where they tied 1-1 in Tucson Ariz. Former senior Sheaffer Skadsen notched a goal in the 89th minute to level the field.
Eyes on the Prize
In Coach Amato's inaugural season with the Wildcats back in 2013, he led the team to its first winning record since 2005. He has since improved on that, leading the 2015 squad to a 14-6-2 record (second best all-time) and has made two runs into the NCAA Tournament, last season's into the Round of 16.
Between the Posts
Sophomore Lainey Burdett will take to the cage as the starter this season. Burdett participated in 16 games in the 2015 season and earned over 1,250 minutes of action. She notched 52 saves (.754, 1.22 GAA) and shutout the opponent three times. Her 1.22 GAA is the seventh-best mark in Arizona history for one season.
Stoian Returns
Junior Gabi Stoian returns to the pitch this fall, bringing her offensive talent back to the team. In her two seasons with the Wildcats, Stoian has 19 goals (fourth all-time) and 53 points (4th all-time). Those goals include six game-winning goals (fifth all-time). Arizona will look to her to continue to provide an attacking outlet.
Assists from DeGracie-Bailey
Senior midfielder Jaden DeGracie-Bailey is one of Arizona's best-ever assisting players. She is tied for first all-time at 19, with seven coming in the 2015 season. As one of the Wildcats that can execute the flip throw-in, she can create dangerous opportunities in the box for Arizona.
Continuing a Legacy
With 20 players from last season's record-breaking squad, Arizona has a lot of talent remaining in the program. This senior class has 34 wins entering this season, only six shy of the highest mark for a senior class. The Wildcats will look to their veterans to lead them to another successful season in 2015.
Preseason Forecasts
In the NSCAA preseason poll, the Wildcats were ranked 20th after finishing their 2015 season at No. 19. Additionally, in the coaches' poll from the Pac-12 Conference, the Cats were picked to finish fifth in the conference. In the TopDrawerSoccer.com rankings, Arizona checked-in at 18th.
#ExperienceIt
Attendance at Mulcahy Stadium has been growing rapidly over the last several years with last year's average attendance finally settling at 917. The Wildcats drew a crowd of over 750 in last week's exhibition match and are looking to expand further.
Newcomer Talent
Arizona is bringing in 12 newcomers in this season. This includes 11 incoming freshmen, and one junior transfer. The team will look to these players to step-up and provide energy and depth to their already strong and proven roster.
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