News Summary
The Houston Cougars women’s soccer team kicked off their season with a commanding 4-0 win against St. Mary’s University in their first home game. Highlighting the team’s offensive capabilities, Ava Shannon, Adelhia Ghonda, and Joeclyn Chinea each scored, showcasing the talent of the new transfers. Coach Ben Williams lauded the integration of players and their collective spirit, setting an optimistic tone for the season as they aim to reach the Big 12 Conference tournament for the first time in the program’s history.
HOUSTON – The Houston Cougars women’s soccer team started their season with an impressive 4-0 victory over St. Mary’s University (TX) in their inaugural home game on August 8, 2025. This significant win showcases the Cougars’ offensive strength and sets an optimistic tone for the season ahead.
Throughout the match, Houston dominated play with a total of 27 shots, nine of which were on target, compared to only two attempts from St. Mary’s. The Cougars asserted their dominance early, with Ava Shannon scoring the first goal in the 12th minute through a remarkable free-kick from distance. Just a minute later, junior forward Adelhia Ghonda added a second goal with a powerful shot that struck the crossbar before finding the back of the net.
Houston continued their offensive onslaught, with Joeclyn Chinea scoring the third goal in the 35th minute. Chinea’s goal was the result of well-coordinated team play inside the box, neatly placed into the bottom corner. The scoring was capped off by Casey Maddox in the 89th minute, converting a deflected cross from Shannon. Notably, the three goal scorers—Shannon, Ghonda, and Chinea—are all transfers, marking their first goals for the Cougars.
The performance not only highlighted the individual talent of the players but also demonstrated the effectiveness of the team’s cohesion. At halftime, Houston had already registered 20 shots with seven on target, indicating their relentless offensive strategy. Coach Ben Williams expressed satisfaction with how well the new players have integrated into the team, emphasizing the spirit and work ethic of the squad as fundamental to their success.
This season marks a pivotal moment for the Cougars as they aim to qualify for the Big 12 Conference tournament for the first time in the program’s history. The coaching staff, which includes former colleagues from Stephen F. Austin—Izzie Vaccari and Peter Mulamba—as well as new additions like Brooke Bradley and Howard Sturgeon, is focused on building a long-term culture and competitiveness within the team.
Looking ahead, the Houston Cougars will face the Sam Houston State Bearkats on August 21, 2025. The team’s performance in this opening match provides a promising outlook as they continue to develop under Coach Williams’ vision.
In conclusion, the Cougars’ decisive victory against St. Mary’s serves not only as a strong start to their season but also as a testament to the potential of their roster, especially with the recent influx of new talent. Fans and supporters can look forward to an exciting season as the team strives to achieve their goals on the road to the conference tournament.
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Additional Resources
- UH Cougars News: Cougars Dominate St. Mary’s TX 4-0
- Google Search: Houston Cougars soccer
- UH Cougars News: Opens Ben Williams Era at UTSA
- Wikipedia: Houston Cougars Women’s Soccer
- UH Cougars News: Soccer Preview – Houston Hosts St. Mary’s TX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Soccer
- UH Cougars News: Houston Soccer Narrowly Escapes UTSA With a Draw
- Google News: Houston Cougars Women’s 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.
