News Summary
The Houston Cougars soccer team celebrated their first victory under head coach Ben Williams, defeating St. Mary’s University 4-0. Early goals from Ava Shannon and Adelhia Ghonda set the tone for the match, with Jocelyn Chinea and Casey Maddox adding to the scoreline. This win reflects the team’s aspirations to qualify for the Big 12 Conference tournament for the first time in their history. The Cougars are determined to build on this success and aim for an NCAA Tournament bid as they continue their season.
Houston
The Houston Cougars soccer team achieved a significant milestone on August 17, 2025, by securing their first victory under new head coach Ben Williams. They dominated the match against St. Mary’s University (TX), winning convincingly with a final score of 4-0.
The scoring for Houston began early in the match, with Ava Shannon finding the back of the net just 11 minutes in. Adelhia Ghonda quickly followed up with another goal at 12 minutes and 40 seconds into the game. The Cougars continued their scoring spree with a goal from Jocelyn Chinea, assisted by Nadia Ortiz and Casey Maddox, at 34 minutes and 44 seconds. Casey Maddox capped the game with a late goal at 88 minutes and 15 seconds, assisted by Ava Shannon, solidifying the team’s strong performance.
This victory pushed Houston’s overall record to 1 win, 0 losses, and 1 draw, while St. Mary’s fell to 0 wins and 1 loss following this match.
Team Development Under New Leadership
Coach Ben Williams, who previously led the program at Stephen F. Austin State University, is instilling a culture of hard work and aiming for a purposeful and entertaining style of play. The coaching staff includes several former assistants from SFA, which emphasizes continuity and a focus on developing the team’s talent for sustainable success in the coming years.
Returning players of significance include key contributors such as Cameryn Maddox, Casey Maddox, Maggie Manning, and Alex Whitcraft, who bring experience and stability to the field. Additionally, the roster has been bolstered by notable transfers from SFA: Logan Pilgreen, Morgan Donohue, Ava Shannon, and Ella Morgan. This group is expected to play an integral role in the team’s aspirations after a strong previous season under Coach Williams at SFA.
Future Aspirations
The Cougars are not only looking to build on this early success but are also setting ambitious goals for this season. The primary aim is to qualify for the Big 12 Conference tournament for the first time in program history, with hopes for a subsequent bid to the NCAA Tournament. This drive is reflected in the team’s approach and the emphasis placed on training and teamwork under Williams.
Season Summary
The Houston Cougars began their season with a challenging goalless draw against UTSA before their decisive victory against St. Mary’s. This win marks a critical moment for the program, signaling a fresh start and a renewed commitment to excellence as they look ahead to further competitions and achievements.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Cougars Soccer Dominates St. Mary’s
- Wikipedia: Houston Cougars
- Cougars End Season Opener in Scoreless Draw
- Google Search: Houston Cougars soccer 2025 season
- Houston Soccer Narrowly Escapes UTSA
- Google Scholar: Houston Cougars soccer
- Morgan Tabbed Top 100 Player by Top Drawer Soccer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Houston Cougars soccer
- Soccer Opens Ben Williams Era at UTSA
- Google News: Houston Cougars soccer 2025
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.
