TCU Soccer: Frogs struggle against UAB, share points after 0-0 draw

It was a frustrating night for TCU Soccer, who hoped to bounce back after back-to-back losses to No. 6 Florida State and No. 8 Penn State. If it wasn’t tough enough, the Frogs plummeted out of the NCAA Top 25 rankings.

Thursday, the Horned Frogs welcomed the University of Alabama at Birmingham to Garvey-Rosenthal stadium in what would become a night of missed opportunities.

The Blazers came out playing a classic 4-4-2 and made it increasingly difficult for TCU to find a way through their defense. Early on, the Frogs generated positive play, linking up along the sidelines. Olivia Hasler and Remini Tillotson were aggressive in joining the attack and providing options on the flank.

In the 14th minute, Seven Castain generated the first shot of the night. It was a left-footed curler from just inside the penalty area. Despite Castain’s placement, goalkeeper Anika Toth dove to her right and made the save.

While TCU and UAB entered the half tied 0-0, the Frogs dominated possession and had the more enticing attacks. Coming out of the half, the Blazers sat back and continued to soak up the pressure in hopes of launching a counterattack.

Lauren Memoly (33) and Seven Castain (7).

Eric Bell gives instructions to his team.

AJ Hennessey has an effort at goal.

Brenna Brosam surges upfield.

As the match continued, TCU was afforded a plethora of corner kicks and crosses into the box, but were unable to put the ball away for the all-important goal. The best chance of the night came in the 61st minute. Castain picked out Brenna Brosam at the far post, but Brosam glanced her header over the crossbar. In the Frogs’ final attack, Gracie Brian leaped up for a header, steering the ball just wide of the post.

When all was said and done, TCU had 16 corner kicks and 18 shots (3 on target). A lack of execution in the final third is what hurt the Frogs against Florida State and Penn State, and it is what held them back against the Blazers on Thursday.

Bell said, “The start [to the season] has been lackluster. Not what we expected. It’s hard to win college soccer games, and I think our team is finding that out. We’ll have to go back to the drawing board to figure out what the shape and the lineup that makes the most sense to move forward.”

Despite the unfortunate result, goalkeeper Lauren Kellett is now TCU’s all-time leader in shutouts with 22, passing Emily Alvarado. Kellett has played 54 matches for TCU and has made 176 career saves. The veteran shot-stopper has cemented herself as one of the greatest goalkeepers to grace the program.

Bell said, “It’s an awesome accomplishment for an awesome young lady. I’m proud of her. She’s put in a lot of work, and she’s earned that.”

TCU will have a quick turnaround as they will host Texas A&M on Sunday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. The match will be available on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.

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