The soccer team was shut out for the second straight game as the SMU Mustangs edged the Horned Frogs 2-0 Thursday night at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium before 1,217 fans. The loss ended the soccer team’s home winning streak at two games.The soccer team’s record falls to 4-5.
A late first half goal with 30 seconds left on the clock, by SMU junior midfielder Krystal Bailey put the Mustangs ahead.
The goal was a two player effort that was initiated by a lofted free kick from sophomore midfielder Melissa Schieda and finished on a one touch shot from Bailey.
A lack of focus in and around the net caused TCU to concede the first goal, said head coach Dan Abdalla.
TCU’s half time deficit had them with their backs to the wall, as their record going into the game was 0-4 when trailing after the first half.
The second half had TCU maintaining physical play onfield while outshooting SMU 5-4 during the half.
“His (Abdalla’s) expectations were to go out hard, and SMU came out hard too,” freshman midfielder Kelly Faerber said.
However, the Horned Frogs were unable to covert any of the opportunities into goals.
“It’s always one touch too many, or a little high, or a little soft,” freshman striker Lizzy Karoly said, “It is a matter of continually getting those shots off.”
Hindering the TCU offence was the unfaltering play of SMU’s six foot tall sophomore keeper, Ashley Gunter.
“Their goalkeeper played exceptional,” Abdalla said, “and we needed that extra bite.”
A change in the formation of the Horned Frogs after the first half did not facilitate a change in the outcome of the match.
Faerber said the team started using four defenders and four midfielders, but switched play in the second half to try and facilitate more offense.
“We pushed forward and used five midfielders to try and score a goal,” Faerber said.
The increased offense from TCU was met with the quick play of SMU’s senior striker Olivia O’Rear.
With 5:30 remaining in the match, O’rear dribbled through the TCU defense and beat Katy Buchanan with a low shot on the left hand side of the goal.
The 2-0 loss was the fifth time TCU has been shutout this season, according to the match media guide.
“We have got to learn how to win games,” Abdalla said.
On the bench for TCU tonight was injured junior midfielder Lauren Pope. Though she was on crutches and wearing a brace, Abdalla said the team is looking for her moral support.
“We need to rely on her from an emotional standpoint to help our whole team,” Abdalla said.
The next match will be Saturday at 7 p.m. at Garvey-Rosenthal Stadium against UTSA.