Texas Tech Athletics
Missouri
Ward's Goal Not Enough Against Missouri
October 11, 2009 | Women's Soccer
Oct. 11, 2009
LUBBOCK, Texas - Dawn Ward netted her team-leading 11th goal of the season, but it wasn't enough as Missouri topped Texas Tech, 2-1, Sunday at the Audrey J. Walton Complex.
Missouri, the Co-Big 12 preseason champions, move to 8-4-3 overall and 3-0-2 in conference, while Tech falls to 8-6-1 overall and 3-2-1 in Big 12 play.
"I am really proud of our team today," Tech head coach Tom Stone said. "We started seven freshmen against the defending Big 12 postseason champions, and we came back from one down at the half to make it a game to the wire. I thought we deserved at least a point actually, with both Missouri goals coming against the run of play."
Ward's goal in the 59th minute pulled Tech to a 1-1 tie early in the second half, while also moving the redshirt freshman into a tie for fourth on the school's single-season chart. A Tech player had not previously double-digit goals in a season since 1998 when Amy Rutstein did so.
Missouri got on the board just before the half off Jessica Greer's fourth goal of the season in the 42nd minute. Krista Kruse followed Ward's goal in the 65th minute with the game-winner that came off a Kari Adam pass.
Tech was unable to respond, however, as Taylor Lytle had a shot go off the crossbar, while Conner Williams had her shot attempt go wide late in the match. Lytle led the Tech offense with six shot attempts, while Ward added three. Missouri's Kristin Andrighetto led all players with 10 shot attempts.
Red Raider goalkeeper Colleen Pitts played all 90 minutes, collecting four saves, but was unable to extend her previous two-match shutout streak, which would have tied the school record set in 1994.
Both teams combined for 30 fouls, which was the most for a Tech match since the season opener against UTSA. There were also a total of six yellow cards issued in the match.
"We withstood all the pressure, all the fouling, and all the chaos Missouri works so hard to created, and we created some nice chances of our own," Stone added. "I felt really good about our chances if we could have pushed the game to overtime, but credit Missouri for preserving the win."
Even with two losses on the weekend, the Red Raiders only fall to third in the conference standings entering their home finale next weekend against Oklahoma State.
"We head home with a big match ahead of us against OSU in front of the home crowd," Stone said. "We are still sitting in third place, but we are in need of some points to remain in the hunt, so each game is crucial as we wrap the Big 12 schedule."
Tech and Oklahoma State are scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff this Friday. Tech will recognize its seven seniors prior to kickoff as it will be their final match at the John Walker Soccer Complex.
