DENTON, Texas (Oct. 2, 2024) – The Texas Woman's soccer team added their first tie of the season against No. 25 ranked Midwestern State on Wednesday night. Both teams were able to take control of a half each, as the battle ended 2-2 tonight at Pioneer Soccer Park.
TWU (4-2-1, 0-1-1) jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead over the MSU (6-1-1, 2-0-1) in the first half in under 30 minutes of playing time. The Mustangs responded with two second half goals to even the tie and avoid a second loss on their record.
IMPACT PLAYERS
KEY MOMENTS
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In the first 20 minutes, both squads started attacking fast and pressured the opposing goalkeeper. Seven shots were taken between the two teams with TWU taking five of those with four shots on target.
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'27: An attack by Giselle Gutierrez on the right side allowed her to swing it back into the box to Bella Alfaro, who was able to turn on the ball and find the back of the net with her left foot in the bottom corner to give TWU an early 1-0 lead.
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'29: Gutierrez added to her night with a score of her own after a pass into the box by Alyssa Valdez for her first assist of the year to go into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.
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'59: After defending a few more Pioneer attacks to start the second half, MSU cut into the deficit with a goal.
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In the 65th minute, the Mustangs found the back of the net for the second time with another header to secure the tying goal.
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The Pioneers presented more scoring opportunities late in the second half but were not able to capitalize as the game ended in a 2-2 tie.
FROM HEAD COACH BABAK ABOUZAR
"Our effort tonight was great, this was the best all season that our attack has looked," Head Coach Babak Abouzar said. "Really impressive goals by Bella and Giselle, and this was one of the best games I've seen Abby play. Striker was also in her zone. Unfortunately we lost focus on two plays and it let Midwestern State back into the game. We will build off this attacking performance and continue working on the details to get better. Recovery these next 48 hours are going to be key. We had players play significant minutes tonight so we are going to have to use the depth that we have at St. Edward's on Saturday."
NEXT UP
TWU are back on the road for their next two upcoming games. This weekend, on Saturday, Oct. 5, the Pioneers will take on the Hilltoppers at 1 p.m. in Austin, Texas at Lewis-Chen Family Field.
Following Saturday's matchup, the Pioneers will travel to Oklahoma City to face Oklahoma Christian on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m.
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