DENTON, Texas (Nov. 4, 2025) – The objective was simple: Win and clinch a top three spot in the Lone Star Conference Tournament. The execution of this objective was anything but easy, however, Texas Woman's soccer was up to the task, defeating Angelo State 1-0 at Pioneer Soccer Park to close out the regular season and clinch a spot in the LSC Tournament.
Facing a second potential spoiler role in the Rambelles (9-4-4, 8-3-3), the Pioneers (13-2-3, 9-2-3) were challenged early and often in the match, but goalkeeper Faith Graves was once again able to keep TWU in it, saving four shots en route to a fourth straight clean sheet and the team's 11th shutout of the season. All four of these saves came after the only goal of the match, when Jaida Arizmendi in the 19th minute took advantage of a penalty shot after Giselle Gutierrez was tripped up to the right of the goalie's box.
This penalty shot was the second for the Pioneers on the season, having also made the only other attempt against Oklahoma Baptist earlier in the year. It was also the first penalty goal allowed by the Rambelles this season after stopping their first two attempts. The Rambelles did not go without a fight, however, outshooting the Pioneers 11-5 and 8-1 in the second half, but Graves' continued strong play, along with another gritty defensive effort from TWU back line until the final seconds.
IMPACT PLAYERS
KEY MOMENTS
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19': Gutierrez drew the penalty while attacking from the right side of the goalie box, and Arizmendi buried the ensuing penalty kick to the left of the goalie for the match's only goal. TWU remained perfect in penalty kicks this season, with Bella Alfaro converting the only other attempt against Oklahoma Baptist on Sept. 13.
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58': ASU continued their pressure in the second half, drawing a corner after Graves got a hand on the ball to tip it out. The Pioneer goalkeeper held her ground, however, turning away the ensuing shot attempt toward the bottom center portion of the net.
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90': With just seconds to spare, the Rambelles created one final opportunity to even the score, but their last shot on goal toward the bottom right portion of the net was turned away by Graves, sealing the win, clean sheet, and the No. 3 seed in the LSC playoffs.
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The win snapped a five-game losing streak against ASU dating back to 2021, gave the Pioneers their first victory over Angelo State since Nov. 1, 2019, and secured their 13th win of the season – the second-most in program history and the most since the 2021 season. It also marked the first time this season TWU has won a match when being outshot by their opponent.
FROM HEAD COACH BABAK ABOUZAR
"I love how our team came out and executed the game plan," said Abouzar. "Angelo is a quality team and credit to them for making things difficult for us. We're proud of our team for completing a full 90 and managing the game."
NEXT UP
The Pioneers are through to the Lone Star Conference Tournament and will be playing host back at Pioneer Soccer Park as the No. 3 seed on Monday, November 10 at 7 p.m. against St. Mary's.
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