NORMAN, Okla. -- The first Bedlam game of the 2012-2013 season gets underway Friday night as the Oklahoma soccer team (3-2-1) takes on No. 3 Oklahoma State (6-0-0) at 7 p.m. at John Crain Field at the OU Soccer Complex.
Below are five things to watch Friday as the Sooners and Cowgirls face off for the 22nd time:
1. End the Streak
OU last defeated Oklahoma State in 2005 in Stillwater. The Cowgirls have gone undefeated since in the last 11 Bedlam matchups, including the 1-1 tie in the 2010 Big 12 Championship that saw OSU hoist the trophy after penalty kicks. The Sooners will look to reverse the series history under first year head coach Matt Potter.
"Anytime you have an opportunity to play a top 25 team, I think you want to test yourselves in those environments, and we are no different. Oklahoma State is a classy team, a talented team, and we will have to be at our best. Those are the types of stages, like I said, you look forward to playing on. We are looking forward to the challenge Friday night."
2. Pack the Park
The Sooners saw the largest crowd in program history last season against the Cowgirls, as 2,002 fans showed up at John Crain Field. Three of the top five attendance marks in program history have come against Oklahoma State. OU will look for a large crowd to help determine a positive outcome for Friday's game.
"I heard it's a lot of fun and its a great college atmosphere," said Potter. "We are looking forward to hopefully seeing a packed house. The crowds this year have been great so far and they can help influence the game."
"We all look forward to this game every year," said senior captain Katharine Nutman. "There tends to be a lot more people to watch and emotions run high. Oklahoma State is a good team, but they are a team that we have played some good soccer against (in years past)."
3. One-Goal Games
While it's no secret that Oklahoma State has won 17 of the 21 meetings in the series, they haven't come without a fight from the Sooners. In 15 of the 21 Bedlam games, the game has been decided by one goal or less, including four of the last six meetings. In 2012, OU is 1-2-1 in one-goal games while OSU is 3-0.
4. Cuellar Doesn't Disappoint
The debut of Renae Cuellar was highly anticipated and the senior transfer from Arizona didn't disappoint against Nebraska in the season opener. Cuellar scored in her first career game as a Sooner and leads the team with four scores (second in the Big 12). She has 22 goals in her collegiate career and OU is 3-0 this season when she finds the back of the net. In addition, as a freshman, Cuellar helped Arizona end a similar double-digit losing streak (13 games) against its in-state rival Arizona State.
5. Tickets and promotions
Season tickets are on sale now for purchase online and by phone (800-456-GoOU). Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens. Single-game tickets are also on sale and will also be available at the gate the day of the game. Below is a look at some of the promotions planned for Friday night:
Included in this weekend's festivities is $4 admission at both games for fans that show their OU-Florida A&M football ticket.
Military Appreciation Night
- First 100 students receive free Raising Cane's chicken fingers.
- Free pizza for OU students while supplies last
- $4 admission for Military and fans presenting OU-Florida A&M football ticket.
- Free face painting for kids
- Friday night fireworks
- Halftime performance by Pride of Oklahoma
- National Anthem performed by 77th Army Band of Fort Sill.
- Pre-game music provided by Fort Sill Rock Band
- Post-game autographs
