Red Raiders Drop Points to No. 9 Jayhawks

Friday, September 25

Lawrence, Kan.

7:00 P.M.

Texas Tech Athletics

0-1-1, 0-1-1

Kansas

2-0-0, 2-0-0

Texas Tech

Kansas

Red Raiders Drop Points to No. 9 Jayhawks

September 25, 2020 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Late goal sends ninth-ranked Kansas over Texas Tech.

By: Jeremy O'Brien

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Texas Tech's (0-1-1) first road test failed to yield points Friday as an 80^th-minute goal lifted No. 9 Kansas (2-0-0) over the Red Raiders.

Lots of fight, but no luck in Lawrence.

More road points up for grabs next week. pic.twitter.com/wcaTMroLV0
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) September 26, 2020

"It's unfortunate we lost our first game of the season," said head coach Tom Stone. "However, given what we're going through right now and having the opportunity to play all these youngsters, some people had some great nights. The future is bright for this group."

Stone's squad again held its own down a goalkeeper and All-American center back, keeping a possession-strong Kansas squad scoreless for 80 minutes. Hannah Anderson and Briley Weatherford were again impressive on the back line, combining with a midfield consisting of first-time starter Haley Smith and freshman Gisselle Kozarski to feed the offensive effort. Margaret Begley saved a goal in the 66^th minute, clearing her third from the goal line in two games.

66' | Begley off the goal line!@margaret_begley stays locking down that back post with another goal line clearance!#TexasTech 0, Kansas 0 pic.twitter.com/wQCga4nH1b
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) September 26, 2020

Kirsten Davis was on the end of multiple Tech attacks, finishing with four shots. Her best effort came in the 57^th minute when she got a left-footed chance at the end of a counter-attack. The senior cut inside and curled one just outside of the near post.

57' | KD nearly opens up scoring!

A great counter leads to a left-footed look for @kirstendavis22, who misses just wide!#TexasTech 0, Kansas 0 pic.twitter.com/Hz1G4Vhcn9
— Texas Tech Soccer (@TexasTechSoccer) September 26, 2020

"Kansas is known for their possession and we did a great job disrupting that," said Stone. "Unfortunately, in the last 10 minutes a really good player hit a really good long, high, looping shot that went in. That's soccer."

Kansas' score came off the foot of Kathryn Castro, who beat Tech keeper Madison Martin high. It was Martin's first goal allowed in 200 minutes in net.

Despite losing a rare game late, Stone's confidence in his team remains high after watching such a young squad play well and then scrap while trailing for the first time this season.

"We were so pleased with how our youngest players played," said Stone, whose lineup consisted of seven freshmen and sophomores. "We were really on top of the game for most of it and led in all categories. We had a really good night, which I rarely ever say in a loss.

"We need to get healthy and get everyone back, but this group tonight played extremely well. They're disappointed – as they should be – and I think that'll roll into a good training session on Monday."

Tech will get another crack at more road points next week in Norman, where the Red Raiders are penciled in for an Oct. 3 match against Oklahoma. First touch is set for 7 p.m. on Fox Sports Oklahoma.