DENTON, Texas (Oct. 11, 2023) - Under the lights at Pioneer Soccer Park, The Texas Woman's soccer team defended their home field and ended Dallas Baptist's eight-win streak against the Pioneers. Halee Avery scored her first career goal and helped TWU add another point to their count. 

TWU (9-1-3, 4-1-2) recorded their second conference tie against DBU (6-0-3, 3-0-2), a very respected rival. The 1-1 tie also marks the Patriots' second conference draw this season. 

"We are very happy with the result tonight," Head Coach Babak Abouzar said. "We came out timid in the first half but were able to change things up in the second half. Credit goes to our team for realizing that they can play and compete with anybody. We had some players step up that made the difference in tonight's game. DBU is a very good team. We will rest up and get ready for UTPB on Sunday." 

Tonight's result puts an end to DBU's eight-game win streak and shows that TWU are a tough rival to beat this season. The Pioneers had not earned a result against the Patriots since 2016. The point earned against Dallas Baptist is more than just a tie for the Pioneers, it shows that they are not only a strong contender in the Lone Star Conference but also in NCAA Division II. 

The Patriots were picked as the favorite in the LSC preseason poll and were ranked to finish first for the fifth consecutive year. Currently, DBU is in third behind TWU and St. Mary's, who sit first and second respectively.  

DBU entered the 2023 season ranked No. 7 in the nation according to the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll. 

Tonight's game was a very intense and physical one in which the Pioneers struggled to find their rhythm in the first half of the match. TWU came into the game with some nerves, and the Patriots were able to get ahead very early on. 

In the first 30 seconds of play, DBU was able to create their first opportunity off of a corner kick. Rachel Allen headed the centered corner kick ball to the far back goal post where the Patriots' midfielder Joeli Benson was able to get a touch on it and sent it to the back of the net. DBU took the lead in the first minute of the match. 

TWU had some difficulties creating opportunities in the first half. Alyssa Striker recorded the only shot on goal the Pioneers had in the first 45 minutes of play. Even though the Patriots recorded nine more shots, Amanda Farris's efforts kept DBU's lead to only one goal. 

Farris had four incredible saves in the first half, and despite the conceded goal, she continues to lead the LSC in goals against average (.233), saves (.929) and shutouts per game (.692). 

The Pioneers' goal came seconds after the start of the second half of the match. Less than 30 seconds into the restart of the game, Arianna Arboleda got possession of ball and sent a through pass to Avery, who was about 30 yards out of the box. 

Avery made the run to the top of the box and shot the ball to the bottom left corner of the goal, making it impossible for Breanna Bowen, the Patriots' goalkeeper, to get to it. 

TWU found its ways and looked to be more comfortable during the second half of the match. Even though the Patriots recorded nine more shots, only one of them made it to Farris's hands. Benson's goal is only the third goal on Farris in 13 games. 

After tonight's draw, the Pioneers continue to lead the LSC pack as they remain in the top spot of the standings. With more than half of the conference matches played, the Pioneers enter the last stretch of the season and look to solidify themselves at the top of the conference. 

The Pioneers go on the road for three games against UT Permian Basin, West Texas A&M and UT Tyler. They will face UTPB on Sunday, Oct. 15 at noon at Odessa, Texas. TWU will return to Pioneer Soccer Park on Saturday, Oct. 28 to play their second to last regular season match against Lubbock Christian.

Hear after match thoughts from Halee Avery and Arianna a Arboleda:  https://youtu.be/3VIEO2i1vc8?feature=shared

- PIONEERS -