TYLER, Texas (Oct. 25, 2023) - The Texas Woman's soccer team finished their away games of the regular season with a scoreless draw against UT Tyler on Wednesday night. The Pioneers earned a point on the Patriots' field that placed them second in the Lone Star Conference with two games left to play.
TWU, who had been leading the LSC standings since Oct. 1, were not able to find the back of the next and get the three points in Patriots' territory. UTT currently ranks eleventh in the conference.
Tonight's tie marks the third conference draw for the Pioneers and the seventh one for the Patriots, who have still yet to win a conference match. UT Tyler, West Texas A&M and Eastern New Mexico are the only teams who have not clinched a victory this season.
UTT played a very physical game, in which both defensive back lines were constantly tested. It was also a very even match in which most of the stats are relatively close. Both teams struggled to capitalize on the final third of the field.
TWU had 11 shots and seven of those were on goal.
In the first half of the match, Celeste Beltran and Alyssa Striker recorded one shot each. Meanwhile, Rayne Islas had two of her own. Beltran had the first opportunity for the Pioneers in the 11th minute. From a corner kick opportunity, Striker centered the ball into the box, which was then headed out by a Patriot. Beltran also took a shot from about 30 yards out that ended up in the hands of Emily Clark, UTT's goalkeeper.
The first one of Islas' opportunities for the Pioneers was in the 21st minute of the match. She received a ball from Alyssa Valdez out on the left side of the field. Islas dribbled her way across the box leaving three Patriots' defenders behind. After positioning herself right in front of the box, she shot the ball with her right foot, and it was out high just over the crossbar.
The Pioneers added another seven shots in the second half. The best opportunities came quickly after the restart of the game after the half time break.
A foul drawn by Striker gave the Pioneers a free kick about five yards out of the box. Islas took the free kick that ended up hitting the top left corner of the post. Unfortunately, no other Pioneer was there to take the rebounded ball.
Amanda Farris, who had to exit the match in the 61st minute of the game, was only tested three times during the match. Despite the draw, she continues to lead the LSC in goals against average (.193), saves (.938) and shutouts per game (.688). Not allowing any goals tonight keeps Farris also at the top of the NCAA Division II goals against average board.
Sydney Kurtz played the remainder of the match under the posts for TWU. She recorded another save and her efforts helped the Pioneers earn their 13th clean sheet this season.
The next two final home games for the Pioneers are crucial to define the regular season champions this season. TWU has led the LSC for the majority of the season but currently sit in second place behind Dallas Baptist.
Next up for the Pioneers is Lubbock Christian on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. at Pioneer Soccer Park.
- PIONEERS -
