The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley women's soccer squad opened its season on home turf in Edinburg, only to see Texas Southern claim a 2-0 victory. The match, played under bright lights at the university's soccer complex, set the tone for a campaign that will test the new coaching staff's adjustments.
A slow start and early goals
Texas Southern struck first in the 11th minute when Jiselle Caffey found the back of the net, catching the Vaqueros off guard. The early goal forced UTRGV to chase the game, and the team struggled to create clear chances in the opening half.
Coach Nataki Stewart later reflected that the squad missed several easy opportunities before halftime, allowing the Tigers to capitalize on a second strike. Alana Aiken extended the lead in the 54th minute after a defensive miscue, sealing a 2-0 result that left the Vaqueros playing catch‑up for the remainder of the contest.
Among the Texas Southern lineup was Gabby Gonzalez, a Rio Grande Valley native who graduated from McAllen High School. Gonzalez started the match and expressed pride in representing her hometown on the field, noting the emotional significance of playing close to home.
The two programs have a history of meeting, with this encounter marking the eighth overall clash. Their previous meeting in Edinburg earlier in 2024 also ended in a Tigers win, underscoring a competitive edge that Texas Southern appears to hold in the region.
Looking ahead, UTRGV will travel to San Marcos to face Texas State on August 13 at 7:30 p.m. The upcoming match offers the Vaqueros a chance to regroup and fine‑tune strategies before conference play begins.