TEMPE, Ariz. - The University of Houston soccer team fell to Arizona 2-1 in their final game at the Sun Devil Desert Classic Sunday afternoon.

 

Houston jumped to an early 1-0 lead when Kylie Cookfound Jasmine Martinez in the 26th minute for a shot to the lower left corner.

 

"We came out and played a good first half," head coachChris Pfau said. "We came out with confidence and some good energy. We created a couple of good scoring opportunities and scored a nice goal."

 

The Wildcats scored the equalizer in the 54th minute when Brie DeFelice scored off a rebound. Eleven minutes later, Arizona would score the game-winner on a penalty kick and hold on to victory.

 

"In the second half, we didn't deal with pressure well and lost our legs, and that hurt us," Pfau said. "We fought to the end and had a chance to tie the game. If we can learn to play the same way no matter what the situation is, we will do well."

 

Junior keeper Cami Koskiwould get the loss, despite having a career high 12 saves on the game. Each team in the Classic finished 1-1.

 

"This weekend was a tough trip, but it will really help us in the long run," Pfau said. "Both games put us in tough situations and made us deal with them. If we continue to build on these kinds of games it should be a good ride."

 

ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Houston's Kaci Bush, Cami Koski and Jasmine Martinez were named to the Sun Devil Desert Classic All-Tournament Team.

 

"This honor is very well deserved," Pfau said. "They all had a great weekend against two very good teams."

 

Bush was a vital role, helping hold the Sun Devils scoreless in the 1-0 win Friday. The senior defender started and played the entire 90 minutes of both matches.

 

Koski notched 18 saves and allowed only two goals in the two matches. The Missouri City, Texas, native posted six saves in route to her 12th career shutout against the Sun Devils. She followed that performance with career-high of 12 saves in the loss against Arizona.

 

Martinez tallied both Houston goals during the tournament. She now leads the club with four goals and eight points. The junior midfielder's goal against ASU was her first game-winner for the 2012 season.

 

UP NEXT
The Cougars will host UTSA at 1 p.m., Sept. 16 in their final non-conference game. Conference play will begin against SMU, Sept. 21 at Robertston Stadium.

 

STAY CONNECTED
Follow Houston Soccer on Twitter @UHCougarSoccer and "Like" /HoustonCougarSoccer on Facebook.

 

SEASON TICKETS
Houston Soccer season tickets are available now. For $50, fans can enjoy the Flex Ticket plan, which allows you to use your tickets how you desire--one ticket per game or multiple tickets to fewer games. For more information regarding season tickets, call the UH Athletic Ticket office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) or visit http://www.uhcougars.com/tickets/hou-tickets.html.

GROUP TICKET INFORMATION
Houston Soccer group tickets are available to organizations of 10 or more people who purchase tickets in advance. Group pricing is not available at the door.

Group Ticket deals are available as follows:
• Groups 15-49: $4
• Groups 50-99: $3
• Groups 100+: $2

To order group tickets, call the Athletics Ticket office at 713-GO-COOGS (462-6647) or email grouptickets@uh.edu.