TCU Soccer: Frogs edge the Aggies 1-0
The Horned Frogs earned a much-needed victory on Sunday against Texas A&M. After being shutout in three consecutive games for the first time since 2013, TCU bagged a late goal that proved enough for the three points.
After lightning caused the game to be delayed, the match started just before 8 p.m. The Frogs came out sharp, playing crisp passes and providing off-the-ball movement. In their previous three matches, the team looked lethargic, but on Sunday, the Frogs came out with excitement and exuded energy.
Early on, TCU dominated possession and generated attacks through the middle and down the flanks. With Texas A&M soaking up the pressure, they threatened on the counter. Forward MaKhiya McDonald provided a potent attacking option for the Aggies as she worked up and down the flank, and through the middle to spark the attack. While the Aggies looked to capitalize on the break, their defense was fortified against the Frogs.
Heading into the half knotted up 0-0, the Frogs came out firing on all cylinders in the second 45 minutes.
A shot from Oli Peña knuckled up and over goalkeeper Kenna Caldwell before blaring off the crossbar. It was the best chance of the night for the Frogs up to that point. With the match still level, the Aggies won a penalty with just over 12 minutes to go. With the ball 12 yards from goal, Lauren Kellett came up with an incredible double save to keep the game level. The penalty from Maile Hayes was cued to Kellett’s right, where she parried the ball before getting up and making another save with her foot.
It was a truly outstanding performance from Kellett, who kept the Frogs in the match. Moments later, in the 87th minute, TCU found a breakthrough.
Linking up with AJ Hennessey, Seven Castain tapped home the game-winning goal for TCU. It was Castain’s first goal of the season and Hennessey’s second assist of the campaign. Not only was this goal monumental in the complexion of the match, but it lifted an insurmountable weight off the shoulders of Eric Bell, his coaching staff, and his team.
Castain said, “It was really needed. But getting it tonight, it felt like winning a championship. As a team, we really needed it, and we’ve been fighting really hard to figure out how to win, so tonight was a really big one for us.”
For Kellett, she achieved her 23rd career shutout, extending the record for most all-time in TCU Soccer history. “I’ve had many good players in front of me that have helped me get to this spot,” Kellett said.
With Sunday’s victory, the Frogs will look to extend their winning ways into their three-game road trip, beginning Thursday, September 7 against Purdue.
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