News Summary

The University of Houston Soccer team achieved a significant 3-1 victory over Cincinnati in their Big 12 Conference opener, marking their first win since joining the conference. Houston dominated the match with 15 shots, while Cincinnati managed just three. Junior Ava Shannon and freshman Samira Minor excelled, contributing to the scoreline. Despite conceding a goal in the final minutes, the Cougars start their season with confidence as they prepare for their next match against Texas Tech.

Houston

The University of Houston Soccer team celebrated a commanding 3-1 victory over Cincinnati in their Big 12 Conference opener on Thursday evening, September 18, 2025, at the Carl Lewis International Complex. This win marks the Cougars’ first success in Big 12 play since joining the conference in 2023, improving their overall season record to 6-0-2 and 1-0 in league action.

In a match dominated by the Cougars, Houston registered 15 shots while Cincinnati could only manage three shots, all of which were taken in the second half. This marks an impressive start to the season, with Houston achieving double-digit shots in every match they have played thus far.

Junior Ava Shannon opened the scoring for Houston with a goal in the 33rd minute, aided by junior Adelhia Ghonda’s assist. Freshman sensation Samira Minor followed up with two goals, scoring a brace in the 60th and 72nd minutes, respectively. Minor’s first goal was set up by sophomore Amanda Adams, while her second was assisted by senior Cameryn Maddox. Despite Houston’s strong performance, Cincinnati managed to score a goal in the 74th minute, courtesy of Coley Sidloski, with assists from Rylee Felton and Kayla Gaynor, which ended Houston’s remarkable four-match shutout streak.

Looking ahead, the Cougars will have the weekend off to prepare for their next game, facing Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, on Thursday, September 25, at 7 p.m., at the John Walker Soccer Complex.

Fans are encouraged to actively support the team through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and by joining the Cougar Reserves for financial assistance. For the latest updates, fans can follow the program on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) @UHCougarSoccer, like the UHCougarSoccer Facebook page, or follow them on Instagram @uhcougarsoccer.

Match Highlights

• Final Score: Houston 3, Cincinnati 1
• Date: September 18, 2025
• Location: Carl Lewis International Complex
• Season Record: Houston 6-0-2, 1-0 Big 12

Scoring Summary

• 33′ – Ava Shannon (Assisted by Adelhia Ghonda)
• 60′ – Samira Minor (Assisted by Amanda Adams)
• 72′ – Samira Minor (Assisted by Cameryn Maddox)
• 74′ – Coley Sidloski (Assisted by Rylee Felton and Kayla Gaynor)

Upcoming Schedule

After the victory, the team will take some time off before preparing for their next matchup:

• Opponent: Texas Tech
• Date: September 25, 2025
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Location: John Walker Soccer Complex, Lubbock, Texas

This win against Cincinnati not only boosts the team’s confidence as they embark on their Big 12 journey but also highlights the talent and potential within the roster, particularly the strong performance from the freshman and junior players. The Cougars look to continue this momentum with their next challenge against Texas Tech.

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Additional Resources

• University of Houston Cougars
• Cincinnati Bearcats
• US Soccer Players
• Wikipedia: Soccer in the United States
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer

Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER

HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.