UTPB Women’s Soccer Strengthens Team with 15 Returning Players

The University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) women’s soccer team is gearing up for a new season. They’re bringing back 15 players from last year’s squad.

Last season’s 3-10-3 record was tough, but head coach Garrett Kull and his team aren’t dwelling on it. They’re looking ahead, focusing on defense and trying to solve their scoring woes.

The Falcons want to shake things up in the Lone Star Conference. There’s a bit of hope in the air—maybe this is the year things finally click.

Building on Last Season’s Promises

Last year felt like a transition for the Falcons. The team had a new coaching staff and a roster full of fresh faces.

They actually started strong, winning two of their first four games. That early promise faded, though, as they hit a rough patch with six straight losses.

Key Takeaways from Last Season

Here are a few things that stood out:

• Strong Defense: The Falcons made it tough for opponents to score, thanks to a solid defensive group and some sharp goalkeeping.
• Close Games: Most losses were by just a goal or two, so they were always in the fight.
• Scoring Challenges: Offense lagged behind, with only 11 goals all season.

Coach Garrett Kull’s Vision for Improvement

Coach Garrett Kull, now in his second year, wants to build up depth and sharpen the attack. He thinks the team learned a lot from last season’s bumps and that new faces will help shake things up.

Emphasis on Depth and Versatility

Kull feels good about the depth they’ve built. “We’ve added a lot of depth to this group,” he says.

This gives him more options to move players around and try different tactics. The squad just feels more adaptable now.

Defensive Strength

Defense is still the team’s backbone. Kull insists they’ll “always be strong defensively.”

With athletic midfielders and a tough back line, they’re betting on making life difficult for opposing offenses.

Addressing the Scoring Deficit

Scoring was last season’s biggest hurdle. Kull admits, “putting the ball in the back of the net” isn’t easy, but it’s their main focus now.

The plan? Turn that strong defense into real chances up front and finally start converting.

Returning Players to Watch

Some key players are back, and they’re ready to lead:

• Valeria Delgado: The goalkeeper is pumped for the new season and feels the team is getting comfortable with Kull’s style.
• Hadley Kelly: This forward can’t wait to see how the new talent fits in and helps the team grow.

Looking Ahead: The Season Opener

The Falcons start things off with a scrimmage against McMurry University. Their real opener is set for August 27 against University of the Southwest.

These early games matter—they’ll set the mood for the rest of the season and hopefully build some momentum.

Goals for the Season

The Falcons have a few clear goals this year:

• Improving the Win-Loss Record: They want more wins, plain and simple.
• Enhancing Scoring: The focus is on finishing those chances and taking control of games.
• Maintaining Defensive Strength: Keep that defensive edge and use it to create chances up the field.

Conclusion

The UTPB women’s soccer team heads into the season with a blend of returning players and fresh faces. Honestly, that’s always a good sign if you ask me.

Last year’s rough patches taught them a lot. Now, they’re zeroing in on scoring and building up their roster’s depth.