It was a successful Senior Day for the UT Tyler Women's Soccer Program getting back in the win column after taking down Lubbock Christian, 3-1, at Citizens First Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex Saturday afternoon. The Patriots move to 4-2-1 overall and 3-1-0 in Lone Star Conference play, as they returned to their dominant offensive ways, taking a season high 24 shots against the Lady Chaps.
After being kept out of the net earlier in the week, UT Tyler didn't waste any time getting on the scoreboard, taking the lead in just the 2
nd minute of the contest.
Ava Harris would take advantage of a great cross from
Celine Diaz, as the sophomore found the back of the net, putting the Patriots up 1-0; energizing the home crowd. The goal was Harris' second of the season while Diaz collected her fourth assist of the year.
UT Tyler continued to apply the offensive pressure throughout the opening half, out shooting the Lady Chaps nine to five overall and three to 0 on goal.
The Patriots determination paid off again in the 27th minute when
Samantha White scored her first goal of the year off a header after the corner kick bounced around in the box and landed right in front of the Patriot defender. The goal proved to be the eventual game-winner and gave the Patriots a two-to-nothing advantage heading into the half.
UT Tyler's attack remained aggressive after the break, adding 15 more shots to the score sheet as they repeatedly tested the Lubbock Christian goalkeeper.
The Patriots depth continued to be the difference in the match as
Lily Moreno extended the Patriots lead to three after coming in as a substitution in the 60
th minute. The freshman didn't need much time to find the back of the net as she drilled a shot with her left foot to the top right corner just past the goalkeepers' reach. It was her second goal of the season and` Lone Star Conference play.
Lubbock Christian broke up the shutout bid in the 85th minute, but the Patriots settled back down and closed out the final minutes to secure the 3-1 victory.
Defensively UT Tyler continued to play well, as
Arianna Johnson led the team with 80 minutes played, helping the Patriots backline of
Savanna Clark and
Audrey Varney limit Lubbock Christian to just 5 shots a half.
On the offensive side,
Ella Anderson led all players on the pitch with six shots, while Moreno added three shots and a goal. White and Harris were efficient in their attempts with each scoring on their lone shots of the afternoon.
Paige Kees,
Katie Wong, and
Taylor Thibodeau each added two shots to build onto the offensive pressure the Patriots created throughout the match. 14 different players got a shot off for UT Tyler as they continued to show their impressive depth.
In goal,
Robbi Curry earned the victory, her fourth of the season. The senior also kept her scoreless streak alive, making two saves on the day. She was replaced by
Peyton Roberts, in the 67
th minute, who helped the Patriots hold on for the win.
With the victory, UT Tyler improved to 4-2-1 overall and 3-1-0 in Lone Star Conference play while Lubbock Christian dropped to 5-2-3 on the year and 2-1-3 in league action.
The Patriots are back at Citizens 1st Bank-Perkins Soccer Complex next Wednesday at 5 p.m. when they host St. Edwards for International Student Night.
