TYLER, Texas - The UT Tyler women's soccer program kicked off their home opener in Lone Star Conference play in impressive fashion Wednesday night, rolling to a 5-0 victory over UT Permian Basin at Citizens First Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex.The Patriots controlled the match from start to finish, out shooting the Falcons 27-5, with 14 shots on goal. Meanwhile the Patriots defense held the Falcons to just three shots on goal for the match.
UT Tyler had several early scoring chances, but it was
Lexi Luff who broke through to give the Patriots the lead, as the sophomore found the back of the net in the 14th minute thanks to a nice assist by
Celine Diaz.
The Patriots continued to pressure the Falcons defense throughout the first half, with the effort paying off just 11 minutes later as UT Tyler doubled their lead. This time it was
Ella Anderson who was able to get the shot past the UTPB keeper as Luff added an assist to her night.
The Patriots would get some help off the bench in the first half as well, because just two and a half minutes after they doubled their lead, substitute
Danica Anaya would score thanks to and assist from
Quinn Wolfe.
UT Tyler didn't let their unplanned time off slow them down as the Patriots generated 15 shots in the opening 45 minutes, forcing seven saves from the Falcon goalkeeper.
The Patriots' defense was just as dominant holding UTPB to just a single shot in the first half.
The Falcons tried to grab some momentum early in half number two, but
Robbi Curry came up with a key save six seconds into the second half to keep the clean sheet intact.
It was a couple of familiar faces that would help UT Tyler put the game on ice as Anderson and Luff reconnected once again in the 64
th minute for their second goal combination of the night. Anderson's second goal of the night was set up as Luff picked up her second assist and fourth point of the match.
Katie Wong would finish off the scoring for the Patriots with her second goal of the season after
Katelyn Odajima found her wide open just inside the box.
The depth was on full display for UT Tyler as 14 different Patriots recorded a shot, including three shots each from Luff and Anaya.
Robbi Curry recorded three saves to secure her first conference shutout of the season, and second overall, as the Patriot backline limited the Falcons to just five shots in the match.
The win brings the Patriots record to 2-1-1 overall and 2-0-0 in Lone Star Conference play. UTPB is still searching for their first win in league play as they fall to 0-3-0 and 3-3-0 overall. Â UT Tyler will head to Texas A&M International this weekend in search of their first road win of the year. They will play Saturday at Dustdevil Soccer Field in Laredo, kick-off is scheduled for 10 a.m.
