Texas Tech University Athletics
Tech Soccer Drops Spring Match to New Mexico
April 02, 2011 | Women's Soccer
April 2, 2011
LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech soccer lost its first game of the spring as it fell to New Mexico, 2-1, Saturday afternoon at the John Walker Soccer Complex.
The Lobos got on the scoreboard first when Jennifer Williams cut inside from just outside the 18-yard box and unleashed a shot that beat redshirt freshman Gabby Kaufman and found the far upper corner of the goal.
"I was not sure it was intended as a cross or a shot but it was a bullet, nevertheless, and completely un-savable," said head coach Tom Stone. "It was a great goal, to be honest."
New Mexico added to its lead with its second goal of the game when the Lobos converted on a corner kick with a powerful header.
"The second goal was very disappointing from the standpoint of how many good defensive headers we have on this team. She had a pretty easy path to the ball and headed it home," Stone stated.
New Mexico led 2-0 at the half.
"We were very good in the opening minutes - things we had worked on all week looked sharp - pressing to get the ball back and good movement off the ball once we had possession," Stone said. "Unfortunately, after the game settled in, we made several unforced errors on the simple passes that get you up the field. These turnovers led to quality possessions for New Mexico and had us chasing the game a bit after the 25-minute mark."
The Red Raiders returned to the field in the second half with a bit of offensive firepower of their own in the early going. Within three minutes, Tech was on the scoreboard when freshman Leah Christensen forced a missed clearance in the Lobos' box and sophomore Sarah Ellison followed up to net the first goal of the game for the Red Raiders. Tech maintained the momentum for a good portion of the second half but had to remain mindful of the speedy counter attack of New Mexico.
"The two-goal lead was not insurmountable by any stretch, but New Mexico did what they had to do late in the game to get the result," Stone noted. "
Tech's best chance to equalize came when junior Taylor Lytle broke through inside 12 yards and smashed her shot off the cross bar and out.
"We had a few set pieces around the box that we might have converted if we were a bit sharper in service but those were our best chances other than the shot off the cross bar. It shows that our play needs to be more dynamic in the final third before the real games start in August," said Stone.
During this third game of the spring, sophomore Haley Fowler got her most minutes (45) since her knee injury in December, while Lytle played 75 minutes.
The Tech coaching staff has decided to sit freshman Hayley Haagsma and sophomore Conner Williams for the remainder of the spring season. Both starters suffered season-ending injuries last year and are expected to be released for full contact next week after months of rehabilitation.
"Both Hayley and Conner have done great to get to this point, but we won't risk their health by playing them in the remaining spring matches," Stone said. "They will both have the next four months to get played in and round out their fitness before we get going in the fall."
Tech concludes its spring season next weekend with a two-game series against UTEP on Sat., April 9, at 12 p.m., and on Sun., April 10, at 10 a.m. Both matches will be played at the John Walker Soccer Complex.
