Texas Tech University Athletics
Soccer Ties TCU, Tops Arkansas in Spring Action
April 10, 2010 | Women's Soccer
April 10, 2010
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech resumed its spring soccer schedule on Saturday with Erin Wikelius posting two shutouts and Taylor Lytle netting her first goal of the spring as the Red Raiders forced a scoreless tie with TCU before defeating Arkansas, 1-0, at Garvey-Rosenthal Stadium in Fort Worth.
After a 4-3 double-overtime win against the Horned Frogs last season, the Red Raiders reversed the usual high-scoring trend with a strong defensive performance by Wikelius and the rest of Tech's backline. Tech had a shot for the win late, but a penalty kick by Lytle failed, forcing the scoreless draw.
"I thought TCU played well and was very competitive on the day whereas it took us some time to get into the rhythm of things," Tech head coach Tom Stone said. "Having said that, we created several great chances on the offensive end, including a well-earned penalty kick, which we were unfortunately unable to convert. We were pleased with the shutouts, though, especially since most of our games with TCU have been high-scoring affairs."
With another strong defensive performance in the day's second game, Tech's one goal against the Razorbacks was just enough as Lytle nailed the game-winning goal off an assist by Sarah Ellison, who originally set up the play by winning a header off a goal kick.
"We were better in some spots in the afternoon game, but some of our usual sharpness was still missing, especially around the goal," Stone said. "Whitney Sharpe is really changing the way we are able to get up the flank and her speed across the back is a huge asset for our backline. After two games in one day, we earn two shutouts, which we are happy about, but we also have a lot to work on over our three remaining weeks of spring."
Tech is now 2-0-1 on the spring after posting a 1-0 victory over Oklahoma State in early March. Like most spring contests, both matches were played with 35-minute half restrictions.
The Red Raiders return to the Dallas area next weekend to face SMU on April 17th and North Texas on April 18th. Both matches will be played at each school's respective stadium.
