Q&A WITH MATT POTTER
The Oklahoma women's coach previews the Sooners' upcoming match against Oklahoma State
Oklahoma soccer is 2-0 to start the season with shutout victories against Albany and Arkansas. Next up for the Sooner sis their annual nonconference match against Oklahoma State. The Cowgirls won their season-opener against Lamar.
Oklahoma State leads the Bedlam series 25-9-2, but the last 10 matches have been split evenly.
The Sooners and Cowgirls will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday at John Crain Field in Norman. The Oklahoman caught up with OU coach Matt Potter to preview the game.
Q: What do you make of the recent series history as OU tries to reach the standard OSU has set?
Potter: “Without question, Oklahoma State has been the benchmark program in the state for many, many years. I applaud the staff and the players that they've had — Adrianna Franch, a World Cup winner. Their program is so seasoned. Like I said, they've set the benchmark. We obviously, in our time here, have hopefully shown that we've kind of closed the gap a little bit. We can be competitive in those games. Obviously our ambition is to fulfill a history just like they have in the sport.”
OU is 2-0 for the first time in 10 years. What are the expectations for this team?
“It's obviously a very encouraging start. The manner in which we performed in the games is also very encouraging. You've got a contrast in styles between Albany, a perennial powerhouse in its conference back East. Their style of play is different than the SEC and that of Arkansas. So we've played two contrasting styles and have shown that we can compete.”
How can you build off t he momentum of the Women's World Cup to grow the college game?
“When you use the standard of the Women's World Cup and you see the quality both on and off the field of the individuals playing in it, it's inspiring. It crosses all sports. I think in terms of the women's game, the popularity now on TV and social media, that's elevating our game on the women's side to a level that's very encouraging for the opportunity that can come for female athletes. It's creating momentum for our sport to be talked about. And then obviously that translates to the grassroots level. More players are playing, there's better quality coaching. We're going to create this next group that has a passion for the sport. It only bodes well for the future of the game.”