Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Texas
Ward, Fowler Net Goals in 2-2 Tie at Texas
October 24, 2009 | Women's Soccer
Oct. 24, 2009
LUBBOCK, Texas - Dawn Ward and Haley Fowler netted goals to give Texas Tech an early 2-0 second-half lead, but Texas rallied in the final 20 minutes of regulation to force a 2-2 tie with the Red Raiders Friday in front of 1,548 fans at Mike A. Myers Stadium.
The Red Raiders had previously lost eight-straight matches to the Longhorns, dating back to the 1999 season. The tie moves Tech to 8-7-2 overall and 3-3-2 in Big 12 play, while Texas is now 7-7-3 overall and 3-2-3 in conference.
Most importantly, the draw keeps the Red Raiders in the Big 12 race as Tech ends the night tied for seventh place with Baylor at 11 points. Tech defeated the Bears, 1-0, earlier this season in Lubbock.
"It really was a great performance tonight from our young squad," Tech head coach Tom Stone said. "We were certainly disappointed by having to settle for the tie after being so good in possession and scoring two great goals. I was amazed at how direct Texas was, but we kept trying to bring it back to soccer and get the ball on the ground."
Despite being outshot 11-3 in the first half, Ward was able to net the period's only goal in the 16th minute, heading a Conner Williams corner kick for her team-leading 13th goal of the season. Ward has now had a goal in each of Tech's last five matches, breaking her previous high of four-straight matches that started the year.
Williams added her second assist of the match early in the second half as she found Fowler in the 49th minute to give Tech a 2-0 lead. The goal was the first in Fowler's career as the freshman had not previously attempted a shot this season.
The Longhorns began their rally in the 73rd minute, however, as Amanda Lisberger fired a deflected Becka Rivera shot attempt past goalkeeper Colleen Pitts for her first goal of the season.
The Red Raiders maintained the 2-1 lead all the way until the 87th minute when Emily Anderson took advantage of an open net to score the equalizer. Tech had not previously surrendered a two-goal lead since facing TCU earlier this season.
Tech had its chances in the final three minutes of regulation and overtime periods, attempting four shots to UT's two, while creating three corner kick opportunities during that stretch.
Stone entered the match wondering which players he would have available as the program struggled with various players feeling ill throughout the week. Taylor Lytle did return in the match after missing last weekend's matchup with Oklahoma State.
"With all we went through this week with players being sick and wondering who we would even have available, it was quite a performance," Stone said. "I thought Casey McCall was terrific tonight and was the best defender on the field. We will take the point and look forward to Sunday's match at A&M."
With two Big 12 matches remaining, Tech and Baylor holds a five-point advantage over Oklahoma, Iowa State, and Kansas for the final two spots in the Big 12 Championship. The top eight schools advance to the conference championship, which would be Tech's third-consecutive trip, all under Stone.
The Red Raiders close the weekend in College Station against 20th-ranked Texas A&M. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. Sunday from the Aggie Soccer Stadium. The Aggies topped Colorado, 2-0, Friday night.
