Texas Tech Falls at RV Utah State, 2-0
LOGAN, Utah – Despite a 15-12 lead in shots and the return of All-American Macy Blackburn, Texas Tech Soccer fell 2-0 to RV Utah State, Sunday afternoon at Chuck and Gloria Bell Soccer Field.
In her first game action in over 320 days, Blackburn tallied 33 minutes of action Sunday for Texas Tech (2-2), tallying one of the Red Raiders six shots on goal.
After a slow start that featured just one corner attempt and six total shots, the Red Raiders got the better of the action in the second half, outshooting Utah State (3-0), 9-4 in the final half. The Red Raiders also took four of the five corners in the final 45 minutes of play.
Following a pair of easy saves from goalie Faith Nguyen, Utah State struck first in the 15th minute, when an Austin Miller shot deflected off a Red Raider defender and redirected a second time off a diving Nguyen into the bottom-left corner of the net.
Up a goal, Utah State quickly tallied it second, when a bad clearance fell to USU striker Tess Werts who ripped a rocket past Nguyen.
After the break, the Red Raiders had multiple good chances to find the back of the net, including a free kick from just outside the 18, but Utah State’s Shay Kercher-Pratt made six saves to earn her third straight clean sheet.
In addition to Blackburn’s return, the Red Raiders also saw goalkeeper Sidney O’billovich see her first action as a Red Raider. O’billovich subbed in, midway through the 72nd minute after Nguyen was shaken up. The Portland State transfer made one save.
HEAD COACH TOM STONE:
“This was a disappoint result, especially given how we played in the second half. We’re just finding creative ways to give up goals. Dribbling in our own 18, deflections, a penalty kick at Penn State and missed clearances. It’s been a couple of deep holes that we’ve had to dig ourselves out of. The one difference today [versus Penn State] was how well we played in the second half. We clearly were the better team and had every statistic that we could have. More possession, shots and corner kicks, but the game was already two-nill, Utah State. The thing that was impressive about the Aggies, was when those chances did present themselves, their finishers did not hesitate, and they put away their chances like champs. That’s why they deserved to win. Our team is certainly upset about it, and they know how hard they played in the second half, but it’s not about 45 minutes. It’s about 90. Everyone knows that. We’ve got a good group here, but it’s going to take a lot to get home and get regrouped for next week. One of the best moments today was when Macy [Blackburn] returned. She got 15 minutes in each half, and along with Molly Skurcenski was the best player for us, and it’s been 10 months since she’s touched the ball in a competitive game. It was great to get Macy back, and obviously we have to ease her in, but what a player. Her feistiness and competitiveness are contagious. When we can have her play 60 or 90 minutes, it will help the entire team. We all know that. We’re not looking for ‘the magic bullet’ because everyone has to pull their weight but having Macy back was an awesome thing for the team to look forward to going forward.”
UP NEXT:
The Red Raiders will return home to Lubbock for the start of a three-match homestand beginning on Thursday night against Weber State. First touch from the Walker is set for 7 p.m.
Release Provided By Andrew Stern Texas Tech Athletics