Texas Tech University Athletics
Dazzling Debut
August 20, 2011 | Women's Soccer
Tiffini Smith scored the game-winning goal as Texas Tech held on for the season-opening shutout over Rice.
August 20, 2011
by Britton Drown
Texas Tech Athletics Communications
Victoria Esson had traveled quite some way for this moment--and in a quick flash, all of it could have been spoiled.
There would have been no celebration. No hugs just outside the locker room under the still brightly lit John Walker Soccer Complex. No eager children rushing to get a signature from the newest and most unique addition to the Texas Tech Soccer team--the goaltender with the cheerful New Zealand accent.
 | "I think the crazier the game gets, the better Victoria gets sometimes. She came a long way for this night, and I knew she had something to prove." |
But she made the save.
It came on the best attack Rice made all night, a breakaway late in the second half led by a swarm of white jerseys.
But Esson was right there; in a bold move she slid to her knees, blocked the attack and kept the 1-0 lead in the Red Raiders' grasp. It was one of five saves she made during her Texas Tech debut on Friday night, all of which helped to secure 1-0 shutout victory over Rice.
"Winning 1-Nil and fighting until the very end was the most satisfying result we could have come across," Esson said shortly after the match.
It was indeed satisfying for Esson, and also a relief. After a full week of stiff competition for the starting goalkeeper job, the junior transfer from Christchurch, New Zealand learned she won the position that very afternoon as she arrived at the soccer complex.
"Victoria has a presence, and Victoria has experience," head coach Tom Stone said. "I think the crazier the game gets, the better Victoria gets sometimes. She came a long way for this night, and I knew she had something to prove."
 Victoria Esson shined in her Texas Tech debut Friday night. | |
Esson came to Lubbock this summer with an unprecedented resume of international experience. She was a member of both the U17 and U20 New Zealand National Team and played in the FIFA U17 World Cup in New Zealand.
It didn't take her long to put that experience on display.
"World class." Stone simply put it. "She's the MVP for us tonight without question."
The Red Raiders took the lead in the 64th minute of the second half when Tiffini Smith scored the game-winning goal off a rebound from a missed shot by Jessica Fuston.
"Tiffini was smart enough to follow the play," Stone said. "She had to shake the player and shoot it, but once she went to her right, I was like, `ballgame'."
Texas Tech will look to improve on their 1-0 record on Sunday night when they play host to New Mexico State. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
