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TCU drops a heartbreaker at UNLV, 2-1
Oct. 15, 2006 LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Just when it looked as if the TCU soccer team was destined for its fourth overtime match in its last five games, UNLV scored a goal at the 89:43 mark that gave the Rebels a 2-1 victory over TCU on Sunday at Peter Johann Memorial Field. With the game even at one after two first-half goals, both teams were stuck in a defensive battle for the majority of the second half until UNLV's Armani Rice was able to net the game-winning goal off an assist from Ashly O'Harrow. The loss for TCU drops the Horned Frogs to 5-7-3 on the year and 0-2-2 in the Mountain West Conference. UNLV moved to 7-8-1 overall and 2-2-0 in the MWC with the victory. UNLV was able to get out of the blocks early by providing continued offensive pressure in the first half that enabled the Rebels to control the ball in TCU territory for the majority of the first 15 minutes of play. UNLV posted the first score of the match at the 24:58 mark of the first half, as Jessica Destito controlled a rebound off her initial shot that was blocked and fired another shot that beat TCU goalkeeper Katy Buchanan into the left side of the net. UNLV's lead would not last long, however, as Lizzy Karoly evened the match just 14 seconds off the kickoff following UNLV's goal. Karoly was assisted by Karissa Hill on the goal. The goal for Karoly was her sixth of the season. The match turned into a defensive battle in the second half with both teams struggling to find a consistent offensive attack.
In the 78th minute, TCU had its first scoring opportunity of the half with Michelle Nguyen taking a free kick from just beyond the 18-yard box on the right side of the field. Nguyen's kick sailed into the box and off the head Lizzie Batten, who headed the ball into the middle of the box where it was cleared by UNLV.
In the 80th minute, UNLV's offense began to put pressure on TCU's defense with a pair of corner kicks and a couple of shots that flew high and wide of the net. The Horned Frogs were able to fend off UNLV's attack until Rice's goal at the 88:19 mark. Nguyen had another free kick from about 35 yards out in the 86th minute that was once again cleared by the Rebels before a TCU player could get a body on the ball. TCU's final scoring opportunity came at the 89:43 mark, as a handball by UNLV setup a free kick by Nguyen from 30 yards out. Nguyen's kick just sailed over the right crossbar. The Horned Frogs return to play on Oct. 20 when they visit Utah. |
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