Aug. 30, 2008

Box Score

LUBBOCK, Texas - Colorado's Kate Russell connected on a goal from 40 yards out in the 86th minute to give the Buffaloes a 3-2 conference-opening win over the Texas Tech soccer team Friday night at the John Walker Soccer Complex.

The Buffaloes would get on the board early as Nikki Marshall would put one off the left post in only the 2nd minute, giving the Buffaloes an early 1-0 lead.

Severe weather from around the South Plains would hit shortly after, halting the match in the 15th minute because of lightning around the area. The weather delay would last around 45 minutes.

Upon restart, Tech's Sarabeth Clopton would connect on her first goal of the season, putting a free kick from 40 yards out over the Colorado goalie to tie the match in the 21st minute.

Two minutes later, Zhaleh Rezaie would deflect the ball into the net off an attempted clear by the Colorado goalie as the Red Raiders would take a 2-1 lead into halftime. The goal was Rezaie's second of the season.

The match would turn in the second half, however, as the Buffaloes controlled the ball for the majority of the period and scored two goals, including Russell's game-winner with four minutes remaining in regulation.

"I am proud of the effort by the girls tonight," Tech head coach Tom Stone said. "I thought we came out focused and energized. We are disappointed in the loss, but as a group, we are glad we were able to compete against one of the top teams in the Big 12."

With the loss, Tech drops to 1-1 on season and 0-1 in conference, while Colorado improves to 1-1-1 overall, 1-0 in Big 12 play.

The Red Raiders return to action Sunday afternoon as Tech travels to face the University of Texas-San Antonio. The match is scheduled to begin at noon from the UTSA Rec Sports Complex.