EDINBURG, Texas – TSU had a total team effort as the 2026 campaign started off on the right foot with a 2-0 shutout over UTRGV in its season opener Thursday evening.
"I couldn't be prouder of this group. We've worked extremely hard over the last month to prepare for this moment, and to open the season with two goals and a shutout is a great reflection of that work," said head coach Danesha Adams.
The TSU defense made the game's first big play as UTRGV recorded a takeaway slightly past midfield a little more than a minute in. For a brief moment, UTRGV had a two-on-one situation and a clear shot at the goal but the TSU defense closed in just in time to force a shot which landed into the hands of goalie Alessandra Bastidas.
The TSU offense would set the tone on the ensuing possession but narrowly missed a connection in the box that would've led to a shot attempt. Nearly eight minutes later, the TSU offense would keep the pressure on as they successfully pressured the UTRGV defense deep into its side of the field. UTRGV would regain possession and move the ball back to the TSU side but the TSU defense forced a possession change.
After the throw-in, newcomer Ava Cloverdale jetted past the defender at midfield and found both Illena Guzman and Jiselle Caffey streaking towards goal. Cloverdale executed a well-placed cross which was just enough for Guzman to tip it to Caffey. Caffey would score her first-ever collegiate goal as her shot rose above the keeper for a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute.
UTRGV had a shot to knot to contest up seven minutes later but Bastidas came up with another big save deep in the net. UTRGV would record two more shots to close out the half but came up short as TSU remained on top.
Nine minutes into the second half, Bastidas would run out towards midfield to push the ball back to UTRGV's side of the field. The TSU offense once again would take full advantage of the placement as Lucyna Smith headed the ball to Guzman from midfield. Guzman pushed the ball to the box as Alana Aiken took advantage and scored the second goal of the game as her shot ricocheted off the goalie's hands for a 2-0 lead.
The TSU defense controlled the game from that point but UTRGV tried to make it interesting late. However, Bastidas made two huge saves in the 82nd and 83rd minutes to end UTRGV's latest threats.
TSU finished with eight shots total while Bastidas logged four saves while playing a full match. Caffey and Aiken recorded goals while Coverdale, Guzman, Savannah Muldrew, Smith, Tess Kelder and Kinofoh Coulibaly recorded shots.
"Our freshmen and transfers made an immediate impact, contributing to both goals and both assists," added Adams. "We're excited about the foundation we've built and even more excited about where this group can go."
TSU is back in action on Sunday for its home opener against Houston Christian at 1 p.m. inside Durley Stadium.
