Longhorns Down Aggies in Rivalry Renewal

The Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies haven’t met as conference rivals since 2011, making the intensity of Sunday’s match-up palpable.  Texas defeated Texas A&M, 2-0, in their first meeting in the SEC, but match that was tighter than the final score implies. 

The SEC rematch may have waited 14 years, but Texas forward Amalia Villarreal only waited eight minutes to open the scoring.  Villarreal seemed unstoppable.  Beating three Aggie defenders, taking the shot, collecting the loose ball, and beating Aggies goaltender Sydney Fuller. 

“The environment out here tonight was amazing. I love when there are so many people out here to support us, because it really helps me thrive. Personally, I know I love it. When someone gets in a good tackle or score a goal, the place erupts and it’s so exciting,” said Villarreal. 

Texas doubled their score 20 minutes later when Villarreal passed to Ashlyn Miller in the box who evade Aggie goaltender Fuller to easily put the ball in the back of the net. 

Texas goalkeeper Mia Justus recorded her eighth clean sheet of the season, facing 15 shots, five on-target. 

The rivalry sparked keen interest among the 3,264 fans that came out for the match, the tenth largest crowd in the program’s history.