DENTON, Texas (Oct. 1, 2022) – Despite outshooting UT Permian Basin, the Texas Woman's soccer team dropped a close match to the Falcons on Saturday at Pioneer Soccer Park.

TWU (1-7-3, 1-3-2) recorded 17 shots and six on goal against UTPB (3-4-1, 2-3-0); however, a Falcons penalty kick in the 65th minute proved to be the difference maker in the 1-0 loss for the Pioneers.

The Pioneers came out early with the offensive aggression, as Sierra McCormick put a shot on frame in the 13th minute of action.

In the defensive half of the field, TWU staved off eight shots by the Falcons. The Pioneers pressure in the first half caused all eight of UTPB's shots to be wide, none within the frame.

Along with shot early from McCormick, the Pioneers won the shot on goal battle in the first half, recording two shots on frame. After a TWU corner kick opportunity, Madison Blue had a look at goal, but it was unfortunately saved by the Falcons' keeper.

The Pioneers again started with a strong offensive attack to start the second half. Bri Luna recorded a shot on goal in the first three minutes of action.

After the shot attempt by Luna, the Pioneers quickly hit two more shots off a free kick, but those shots were wide.

TWU saw back-to-back corner kick opportunities in the 59th and 61st minute. Off the second corner kick, Alyssa Valdez narrowly missed scoring.

The difference maker in the match came in the 65th minute. The Pioneers fouled in their own goalie box, resulting in a penalty kick opportunity for the Falcons. With the kick, UTPB scored the lone goal of the match.

The deficit refueled the Pioneers. In the remaining 25 minutes of action, the Pioneers six shots, including two shots on goal from Dylann Vollaro and Keely Chapman.

In the second half, TWU had five corner kick opportunities, but they were unable to use the set piece to find the equalizer.

Following the match, the Pioneers honored senior goalkeeper Morgan Sherman. Sherman had two saves in the match, increasing her senior season save total to 51.

"We struggled in the first half today playing our game," TWU head coach Babak Abouzar said. "We settled down in the second half and found some good opportunities, but we continue to struggle in the finishing department. We will strive to get better next week in that area. We still have a lot of season left to play."

The Pioneers will be at home in a week for their next match. On Saturday, Oct. 8, the Pioneers will face #10 West Texas A&M at Pioneer Soccer Park. Make sure to wear pink and support the Pioneers kick for a cure event.