TCU soccer won for the fourth time in five games Friday night, defeating Texas Tech 2-0 on senior night at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium.
Forwards Messiah Bright and McKenzie Oliver each scored goals early in the second half for the Frogs and TCU’s defense held a potent Red Raider attack scoreless.
The win was important for TCU’s positioning in the Big 12 Conference, and it carried extra weight for the seniors who were playing their final home game.
“Playing on this field means everything,” said Oliver, a senior forward. “It’s amazing, I don’t know how else to explain it.”
The game started slowly, with neither team able to gain a foothold in the first half. TCU led 4-1 in first-half shots, but it was still scoreless after 45 minutes.
“I think the first half was a bit choppy– there was something missing and we needed to get on the same page,” Oliver said. “We met in the locker room and talked about everything we needed to work on and we came back in the second half and improved so much.”
It only took eight seconds for TCU to take the lead in the second half. A misplayed pass by Texas Tech was seized by Messiah Bright, who took a couple touches and rifled a shot past Red Raider goalkeeper Marissa Zucchetto.
The Frogs took advantage of their newfound momentum and scored again in the 55th minute. Yazmeen Ryan drove to the endline and put in a low cross that was deflected directly to Oliver.
The senior finished the chance at the far post, and she said it was a moment she’ll never forget.
“I’m going to be 40 years old and remember that,” Oliver said. “It’s also awesome that I scored goals in back-to-back games. I think that’s really exciting and helps my confidence a lot.”
Texas Tech created a few chances in the match’s closing stages, but they couldn’t find a way through the TCU defense and the match finished 2-0.
TCU head coach Eric Bell said the win was important for his team on multiple levels.
“I always say on senior day that you never forget your last game on your home field,” Bell said. “As it pertains to the conference standings, it puts us in a pretty good spot.”
2,543 fans were in attendance for the game Friday night, and their presence was felt on the field.
“I think that the energy of the fans helped our success so much this season,” Oliver said. “Hopefully we’ll be back at home again [in the postseason]– that would be really nice as a senior.”
The win moves TCU to 11-4-2 on the season and 4-3-1 in Big 12 play. They sit fifth in the conference with one match to play.
The Frogs finish out the regular season Thursday at Oklahoma State. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Stillwater.
