IRVING, Texas - The UT Dallas women's soccer campaign opened with a 4-0 shutout over Dallas at the UD Soccer Field Friday evening. 

Head coach Stephen Shirley picked up the victory in his first game at the helm of the Comets. He is just the third head coach at UTD since 1998.

The Comets opened the scoring early when freshman forward Kate Meyer found senior Kate Crowe, who beat the keeper one-on-one in the sixth minute. Another freshman, Sydney Geter, scored at point-blank range after a cross from the right by Sierra Foster in the 17th minute.

With 1:52 left in the first half, UTD went up 3-0 on a perfect, arching free kick by freshman Jenna Wilkinson. Foster added the final goal of the night in the 60th after she dribbled from the left of the goal and booted the ball in, beating several Crusader defenders.

For the game, the Comets outshot the Crusaders 16-5 overall and 9-4 on goal. UD led in corner kick chances 3-1, while UTD committed more fouls - 9-6.

UT Dallas Notes
- Friday's game was the 13th season-opening shutout in program history.
- Eight players made their debut for the Comets Friday with freshmen accounting for two goals and an assist.
- Crowe's early game-winner was the first goal of her career.
- Foster netted a goal and assist, moving her career totals to 13 and 11, respectively.
- Junior keeper Jade Press stopped four shots, for her ninth career shutout.
- Wilkinson and senior defender Peyton Guidry played all 90 minutes.
- Senior forward Ashlynn Thomas led UTD with three shots, one on goal.

Dallas Notes
- Allison Zilafro recorded five saves in goal in the second half.
- Alyssa Mancacci, Nevaeh Coronado, Kit Gibbons and Kim Esparza each had a shot on goal for the Crusaders.

Up Next
UTD will travel to Schreiner in Kerrville, Texas for a noon kickoff on Sunday.