TCU Soccer wins its opening game of the Big 12 Tournament against Kansas

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Forward AJ Hennessey controls the ball against Kansas on Oct. 30, 2022. (photo courtesy of GoFrogs.com)

By Cate Thompson, Staff Writer

On Sunday night, four TCU Horned Frogs found the goal several times against Kansas in the Big 12 tournament, picking up a 5-1 victory. They’ll face Oklahoma on Thursday in the Big 12 Conference semi-finals.

TCU began the game with momentum. Midfielder Gracie Brian assisted defender Sarah Melcher with a header that led to an open shot.

TCU continued to dominate the field. A Kansas foul led to a free kick from midfielder Payton Crews to Melcher, who sent the ball to the back of the net with a header.

TCU secured another penalty kick that forward Kennedy Clountz was able to convert into the Frogs’ third goal.

During the second half, the Horned Frogs remained aggressive. Brian delivered a pass to forward Messiah Bright, who used her speed to beat defenders to the goal to give TCU a 4-0 lead.

In the 88th minute, defender Dana Reed scored off of an assist from forward Tyler Isgrig.

“We’re in a really good rhythm right now,” said head coach Eric Bell. “Hopefully the goals will come through movement and speed of play, and we just need to continue to do what we’ve been doing.”

ICYMI: TCU vs. Texas Tech

With multiple scoring opportunities and several corner kicks, TCU soccer finished Big 12 play with a 0-0 tie against Texas Tech.

The Horned Frogs tallied 18 shots and 16 corner kicks. The team only allowed two shots from the Red Raiders and 0 shots on goal, but still finished the game with no goals.

Forward Messiah Bright used speed to her advantage to gain two shots. 

Although the Horned Frogs finished this game scoreless, Bell said he believed this was the best soccer the team played all year.

“I think overall, it was a really good performance,” Bell said. “Our 18 to their 18 was unbelievable.”

TCU finished Big 12 conference play 5-1-3 and clutched the second seed in the Big 12 Championship tournament, starting Sunday, Nov. 6.

“I think it just comes down to continuous hunger,” Bright said. “We have it, so it’s just going and showing our next opponent that we are who we say we are.”

Bell and Bright are ready for postseason play and are confident in the team’s ability.

“If I’m honest with myself, I think we are playing the best soccer we have all year,” Bell said. “We want to be peaking at the right time, and this is the right time to be peaking. In that regard we are right where I want to be.”

Up next

TCU soccer will face Oklahoma in the semifinals of the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Round Rock, Texas.