Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech Athletics
Missouri
Missouri Downs Texas Tech Soccer
October 16, 2005 | Women's Soccer
Oct. 16, 2005
LUBBOCK, Texas - Junior forward Jennifer Vasquez scored her fist goal of the season on a header, but it was not enough to give Texas Tech soccer a victory on Sunday as the Red Raiders fell to Missouri by a score of 4-1 at R.P. Fuller Stadium.
"I felt our team played as well as I have seen all season, except we broke down in critical moments," said Texas Tech head coach Neil McGuire. "I am very proud of each individual because regardless of results they are all working tirelessly to improve themselves."
The Tigers were able to draw first blood in the contest as forward Jennifer Nobis broke through the Red Raider defense and was able to fire a low shot past Tech goalkeeper Megan Knauss at the 6:17 mark of the first half.
Knauss shook off the early goal against to post another impressive start in net for the Red Raiders. For the second consecutive game, the Tigard, Ore., tied a career-high with 12 saves, including eight in the first half.
Texas Tech was unable to find the equalizer in the first frame, sending the game to halftime with Missouri leading 1-0.
After leading goal-scorer Amber Swinehart gave MU a 2-0 lead with the first goal of the second half, Vasquez and the Red Raiders were able to turn up the offensive pressure and net their first goal of the match.
Tech's offensive pressure helped them force two consecutive corner kicks in the offensive zone and cut the Mizzou lead to 2-1. Senior forward Kimmie Davis took the corner and sent a cross into the Tiger goal box which found a cutting Vasquez, who was able to get a head on the ball and find the back of the net.
"When I have a corner kick I look for Jennifer (Vasquez) because she is our strongest header," said Davis. "On that play, I noticed the open spot and served it in. It was just good timing on her part."
The score was the first for Vasquez since Sept. 10 of last season, when the San Antonio, Texas, native scored in a Red Raider win over Angelo State.
"Of course, it was exciting for me to score my first goal of the season," said Vasquez. "It was the second corner in a row and Missouri really hadn't had a chance to set up yet. It was a good pass by Kimmie (Davis)."
After the Vasquez goal, the Tigers withstood several other Red Raider offensive charges and were able to net two more goals of their own, including the second of the game by Swinehart.
The loss drops Texas Tech overall record this season to 1-14 overall this season and 0-6 in league play, meanwhile Missouri improves to 8-5-3 overall and 3-3-1 in Big 12 action.
The Red Raiders are back in action next weekend when they take to the road to battle Baylor and Texas A&M in a pair of Big 12 matches.
