University of North Texas Athletics
University of North Texas
Southern Utah
Mean Green Soccer Wins Season Opener
8/21/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 21, 2015
North Texas 2, Southern Utah 1 
LAS VEGAS -- Needing more offense, North Texas head coach John Hedlund placed junior Marchelle Davis into the game in the second half. Davis provided that offensive spark, scoring the game-winning goal in the North Texas soccer team's 2-1 victory against Southern Utah on Friday afternoon.
The Mean Green dominated the possession, keeping the ball on the SUU side for most of the game. North Texas outshot Southern Utah, 20-6, but only managed eight shots on goal.
"We simply played today like it was our first game," said Hedlund. "It wasn't pretty but we got the win and we'll move on to play Sunday."
Southern Utah snuck into the game in the 53rd minute with a penalty kick that tied the score, 1-1. The experience of the Mean Green showed because the team did not falter. Davis regained the lead for the Mean Green three minutes later with a shot from 30 yards out that found the back of the net.
Despite starting seven seniors, it was the freshmen coming off the bench that placed North Texas on the scoreboard first. Off an assist by freshman Taylor Torres, classmate Olivia Bagby scored a first-half goal in the 33rd minute with a shot from 22 yards out.
Hedlund subbed early and often. Ten players came off the bench, including seven newcomers.
Next up for North Texas
• North Texas continues action in the Las Vegas Invitational with a Sunday afternoon game against UNLV
Mean Green Quick Hitters
• North Texas is now 14-5-1 in season-opening games and 9-0-1 in the last 10 games.
• North Texas is 1-0 in the series against Southern Utah
• Head coach John Hedlund went with an experienced starting lineup: seven seniors, one junior and three sophomores
• Sophomore Libby Murphy made her first start in a Mean Green uniform.
• Ten players came off the bench for the Mean Green.
