DENTON, Texas (Oct. 4, 2023) - Erica Brelove did it again for the Texas Woman's soccer team. Brelove, who was just named Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season, scored the game winning goal for TWU to record their ninth victory.

"We didn't have our best performance in the first half today, but I'm really proud of the resiliency that our team showed," TWU Head Coach Babak Abouzar said. "It says a lot when you don't have your best game but can still pull out three points on the road. Portales is a tough place to play and ENMU was ready for this game. They came out with a lot of intensity that took us some time to match."

The first half of the match was as even as it gets, and both teams showed that they were ready to fight. Both teams recorded six shots in the first 45 minutes, and the first opportunity for either team came in the ninth minute for the Greyhounds. 

A long ball from a free kick taken from the 40th yard line was sent directly to Amanda Farris's hands, who had some trouble controlling the ball. The rebound was then headed by a Greyhound, but Farris was able to get on it and end the play for ENMU. 

The first of the Pioneers' opportunities came after a long centered ball from Alyssa Valdez, who sent it from the left side of the field. After a scramble of players in front of the Greyhounds' goal, Giselle Gutierrez was able to shoot the ball across from the right side of the goal box with her right foot. The ball hit the goalpost and was cleared by ENMU defenders. 

TWU and ENMU were tied, 0-0, after the first 45 minutes of play. 

The Pioneers came out for the second half with a lot more intensity and quickly created scoring opportunities. Alyssa Striker had a chance in the 49th minute that set the tone for the Pioneers. However, it was the two-time Defensive Player of the Week who gave the Pioneers the 1-0 lead. 

Brelove was able to replicate her first career goal against Oklahoma Christian tonight. As a corner kick was taken, Brelove ran from the ten yard line, leaving four Greyhound defenders behind, all the way to the right post and headed the ball to the back of the net. 

"Our team really showed the value of set pieces today both offensively and defensively and it paid off. I'd still like us to be able to fine tune some things offensively, but we'll take this road win and keep moving forward," Coach Abouzar said. 

The Pioneers defensive squad has been remarkable this season. They have only allowed two goals, which ties them in second place with Minnesota State University, Mankato for the NCAA Division II goals against ranking - only behind Concordia University Irvine.

This shutout marks the eighth clean sheet for Pioneers. 

TWU continues to lead the LSC standings as well in shots with 169 shots total. Farris also continues to be the top goalkeeper of the LSC after tonight's game, and she ranks among the top in the NCAA Division II goalies. 

Farris is tied at the top of the Division II list of shutout games with seven (as of Sunday Oct. 1) with goalies from Drury and Minnesota St. She is also second on the DII goals against average board with an average of .203 -  behind Riley Urquiza from CUI, who has an average of .135. 

The Pioneers return home to take on St. Mary's, currently second in the LSC, on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 1 p.m. They will be also honoring their two graduating seniors Emily Rohne and Abby Daniels on Saturday afternoon.

- PIONEERS -