DENTON, Texas (Sept. 27 2023) – Nothing but wins for the Texas Woman's soccer team at Pioneer Soccer Park.
Tonight's result marks the second Lone Star Conference matchup win in a row and another clean sheet for the Pioneers, who continue to be undefeated at home. A goal from Erica Brelove and a penalty kick save by Amanda Farris gave TWU a 1-0 victory over Oklahoma Christian.
"Big conference win tonight." TWU Head coach Babak Abouzar said. "We put a lot of focus on starting this game strong and it paid off with the great goal by Erica early on. Amanda had a great penalty kick save that preserved the lead for us. Credit to our team defense for limiting the chances for OC. We feel like we left some goals on the table tonight. We have to continue to work on being more clinical in front of goal. Overall very happy with our performance and the direction we're headed."
TWU (7-1-1, 2-1) handed OC (4-1-2, 0-1-1) their very first loss this season. The Eagles were not able to continue their undefeated run against the Pioneers, who only allowed them to have four shots and one of those on goal. OC was the LSC team to record the least amount of shots among all 12 teams that played tonight. TWU also recorded their sixth clean sheet game this season.
Texas Woman's outshot OC ten shots to four. The Pioneers made their move and shot early in the game at the fourth and eighth minute. Bailee Radney and Alyssa Striker opened up the count for TWU.
In the 11th minute, The Pioneers had their first corner kick opportunity that Bri Luna took from the left corner of the field. She sent a curved shot that left most of the Eagles defenders behind and found Brelove at the right far post. Brelove pushed the ball in with the side of her body and gia the Pioneers the 1-0 lead.
Brelove was one of only two defenders to score for the LSC tonight, alongside Anna Brandt from Lubbock Christian.
The Pioneer's defensive squat was phenomenal. The defense's backbones of Brelove, Hayley Masoner and Alyssa Valdez played all 180 minutes of the game. Rylee Avery, who played 81 minutes of the game, was also fundamental to the team's successful performance.
Farris, who leads the LSC in goals against average (.226), saves (.920) and shutouts per game (.667), was tested less than a handful of times, but she made incredibly important and impressive saves.
With little over seven minutes to play in the first half, the Eagles were awarded a penalty kick. Kyla Lovelace faced Farris who hyped herself up loud enough the bleachers could hear her in preparation to face the shot. Lovelace sent a low shot to the bottom right of the net that Farris was able to not only stop but also kept the ball and did not allow the Eagles a rebound shot.
The Pioneers are currently sitting in second position in the LSC standings behind Dallas Baptist.
TWU goes on the road next to face Texas A&M International and Eastern New Mexico on Saturday Sept. 30 and Wednesday Oct. 4. The Pioneers will be back home to play St. Mary's on Saturday Oct. 7 at 1 p.m.
St. Mary's game will also be the Pioneer's Alumni and Senior recognition night.
Hear from tonight's heroes Erica Brelove and Amanda Farris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4LP7JrdWWU.
-PIONEERS-
