The Horned Frogs have a chance to rise above .500 Friday against Rice and the key to the game is staying patient and creating more movement when they attack, head coach Dan Abdalla said.

TCU (1-1) started the season with a 1-0 road loss to No. 6 Oklahoma State Aug. 19 but bounced back to beat Lamar 2-0 Sunday in the Frogs’ home opener.

“We have to work a lot on our movement in the final third [of the field],” Abdalla said. “That’s going to be our biggest concern. Can we keep our patience but now have better movement up front and be more dangerous and create higher quality chances and more chances? I think if we do that, we’ll be in good shape.”

Abdalla said Friday night’s game will be another early season test for his team.
“Rice  is a great team, so it’s going to be another great challenge for us,” Abdalla said.

The Owls suffered a 1-0 loss to Texas Tech in Lubbock in their season opener, but they recovered to beat McNeese State 3-0 at home.

TCU holds a 4-3-1 series record against the Owls, and the last five games have been decided by one goal. The Horned Frogs have won the last two meetings.

Notes: Senior forward Jordan Calhoun is a game-time decision for Friday night’s game after suffering an ankle injury against Oklahoma State a week ago. Calhoun, TCU’s all-time leading goal scorer, missed the 1-0 victory over Lamar. Freshman forward Dixie Kurrus left the Lamar game early with a head injury, and Abdalla said she will also be a game-time decision. Senior midfielder Kaylie Garcia returned from international duty Thursday night. Garcia played for Mexico at the World University Games in China beginning on Aug. 11. Abdalla said he expects her to be available but will make a game-time decision of how many minutes she will play.

——

TCU vs. Rice
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium
GoFrogs.com: watch live or follow GameTracker