Jan. 25, 2008

HOUSTON - The University of Houston women's soccer team will play host to the Mexican U-20 National Team March 2 on John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium, head coach Susan Bush announced Friday.

Kickoff will be set for 4 p.m. CST.

The Cougars will play Mexico as part of their 2008 spring season. It is the first time the UH squad has taken on an international side in exhibition play.

"Our program is committed to scheduling competitive matches in an effort to improve our speed of play and to gain exposure from the local community," Bush said. "Playing an international team like Mexico is the perfect chance for our team to achieve both of these goals. Our team is excited to start spring training in preparation for the game and we are delighted to host Mexico in one of the country's best soccer venues."

Bush, a former player for the U.S. National Team, is entering her second year in charge of the UH program.

Tickets for the match go on sale Monday Jan. 28. Seats, all general admission, will be priced at $12 for adults, $10 for UH students and children and $8 for groups of 15 or more.

Please call 713-GO-COOGS or visit www.UHCougars.com for more information on tickets.

Houston will feature two players, Islara Rodriguez (Houston, Texas/Awty International School) and Shelby Scott (Mesquite, Texas/North Mesquite HS), with recent national team experience.

Rodriguez earned her first two caps with the Puerto Rican National Team over Thanksgiving and Scott spent part of last spring training with the Israeli National Team.

Christine Nieva (Mesquite, Texas/North Mesquite HS/Arizona State) will be unavailable for the match as she is participating in training camp with the Mexican U-23 National Team leading up to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.