DENTON, Texas (Oct. 21) - The Texas Woman's soccer team recorded another victory against West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas. A first career goal from the freshman, Ailyn Oliveros, gave the three points to the Pioneers.
With only three regular season matches left this season, TWU continues to be at the top of the Lone Star Conference standings. The Pioneers, who were voted to end 11th in the preseason poll, are yet to face UT Tyler, Lubbock Christian and Angelo State.
"Our team showed some resiliency in today's game," Head Coach Babak Abouzar said. "We lacked some sense of urgency in the first half, which is what has brought us success this season, but credit to our team for making the necessary adjustments at halftime. It paid off early in the second half with a nice assist by Alyssa Striker and a great finish by Oliveros. I'm very happy with our team defense and the chances we limited for WT. We're creating some really good opportunities in the final third, but we just need to improve on our execution in front of goal. It's something I know we can improve on these next couple days in practice."
TWU demonstrated yet again to have one of the best defensive back lines and goalkeeper in the nation and the LSC. Tonight's 1-0 victory against West Texas A&M marks the Pioneer's 11th shutout game this season. This clean sheet maintains their goals against average count to three in 15 games. It also keeps the Pioneers in the top three of the NCAA Division II goals against average board.
Even though the Pioneers dominated possession of the ball the entirety of the match and showed to be comfortable playing in the Lady Buff's side of the field, they did not seem to be able to capitalize on their opportunities. TWU recorded eight shots in the first 45 minutes but none found the back of the net.
The Pioneer's defense did not allow WT to test Amanda Farris until the 58th minute of the game.
TWU came out with a lot more intensity and eagerness after the halftime break, which now seems to be a constant for the Pioneers. The only goal of the game came in the 48th minute.
The first three minutes of the second half were all TWU's. After a few attempts of trying to get the ball into the box from all different angles, Striker received a headed ball about 30 yards out of the box. She fought hard to stay on her feet after battling with a Lady Buff. Striker passed the ball in between two defenders to the right side of the box where Oliveros was positioned. Oliveros was able to take a couple of steps forward, beat a WT defender and angled herself correctly to cross the ball to the bottom left of the goal.
This goal is Olivero's first career goal.
During the remainder of the second half, the Pioneers recorded 15 more shots for a total count of 24 shots and 12 shots on goal.
Striker, who assisted the goal, led the Pioneers on shots with six. She has a total of 24 shots on goal this season which positions her third in the LSC in that category. Celeste Beltran and Radney Bailee recorded three shots each against WT.
Farris, who only recorded one save tonight, continues to be the top goalkeeper in the LSC and among the best in the nation. She leads the LSC in goals against average (.202), saves (.933) and shutout per games (.733).
Next up for the Pioneers is UT Tyler. They will face the Patriots on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 6 p.m. in Tyler, Texas. This will be the last of the Pioneer's regular season games on the road. TWU, who is 6-1-1 on the road, will be back at Pioneer Soccer Park on Saturday, Oct. 28 to take on Lubbock Christian and to celebrate their Kick for a Cure night.
- PIONEERS -
