News Summary
The University of Houston women’s soccer team secured its inaugural win of the season under new coach Ben Williams, dominating St. Mary’s University with a 4-0 scoreline. The Cougars showcased a strong offensive with 27 shots, demonstrating their improved team cohesion and skill. All four goals came from transfer players, marking a significant milestone for the team. This victory builds excitement as they prepare for their next match against Sam Houston State Bearkats, aiming to continue their successful start to the season.
Houston Women’s Soccer Secures First Win Under Coach Ben Williams
Houston, TX – The University of Houston women’s soccer team achieved a significant milestone by claiming its first victory of the season under new head coach Ben Williams. The match was held on August 17, 2025, against St. Mary’s University (TX), where the Cougars triumphed decisively with a score of 4-0.
Match Overview
In a dominating performance, the Cougars implemented a strong offensive strategy, registering an impressive total of 27 shots throughout the match, with 9 shots on target. Conversely, St. Mary’s University struggled to find their rhythm, managing to take only 2 shots for the entire game.
Scoring Breakdown
The scoring began early with junior midfielder Ava Shannon, who netted the first goal in the 12th minute through a free kick that pierced through the St. Mary’s defense. Just one minute later, Adelhia Ghonda doubled the lead, demonstrating her skill with a powerful run followed by a shot that collided with the crossbar before crossing the goal line. The offensive onslaught continued with Jocelyn Chinea scoring the third goal in the 35th minute, converting a chance created by teamwork inside the penalty area to slot the ball into the bottom right corner.
The final goal came in the game’s closing moments when Casey Maddox connected with a deflected cross from Ava Shannon to secure the 4-0 victory, volleying the ball into the net in the 89th minute. Notably, all four goal scorers—Shannon, Ghonda, and Chinea—are transfer players, marking their first goals with the Cougars during this match.
Team Performance and Morale
This emphatic win is not only significant for the scoreline but also reflects the Cougars’ growing momentum and team cohesion. With a sense of high spirits among the players, they are reportedly beginning to gel well under Coach Ben Williams’ guidance. The team has expressed excitement about their performance and is eager to build on this initial success.
Looking Ahead
Following this important win, the Cougars are set to take on the Sam Houston State Bearkats in their next match on August 21, 2025. The anticipation for this upcoming game is high, as the team looks to continue its winning streak and demonstrate the effectiveness of their collective training and efforts.
Background Context
The victory against St. Mary’s University marks a promising start for Coach Ben Williams in his inaugural season with the Cougars. The team had been working diligently during the off-season to refine their skills and strategies, and this match showcased the fruits of their labor. As they continue to adapt and grow, players and coaching staff alike are optimistic about their potential in the remainder of the season.
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Additional Resources
- University of Houston: Cougars Dominate St. Mary’s TX 4-0
- Wikipedia: Houston Cougars
- The Daily Cougar: Houston Cruises Past St. Mary’s TX
- Google Search: Houston Women’s Soccer
- University of Houston: Cougars End Season Opener in Scoreless Draw
- Google Scholar: Houston women’s soccer
- The Daily Cougar: Houston Soccer Narrowly Escapes UTSA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Soccer
- University of Houston: Opens Ben Williams Era at UTSA
- Google News: Ben Williams Houston Cougars
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.
