TCU Soccer: Horned Frogs Victorious in Season Opener Against SMU

The Horned Frogs got out to a flying start against the visiting SMU Mustangs. Not only was this the 2023 season opener, but it was against the noisy neighbors from Dallas.

Led by head coach Eric Bell, the team started on the front foot and caused problems for the Mustang defense. Playing in her trademark attacking midfield role, Gracie Brian was a crucial part of the TCU attack.

On the front foot, Brian put together the Frogs’ first chance of the match with a shot from outside the box. Having a go with her right foot, she sliced it just wide of the post.

Can confirm @graciemaria0010 is good at soccer 😌#FIGHT | #GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/Aj6pOghfRC
— TCU Soccer (@TCUSoccer) August 18, 2023

The match would remain level for a few more minutes as Brian netted the first goal of the season in the 22nd minute. Assisted by AJ Hennessey, Brian cleaned up the pieces to put the Frogs ahead 1-0. With that goal, she is now tied with former Horned Frog Michelle Prokof for third all-time in career goals with 27.

While Brian got her name on the score sheet, Hennessey caused problems for SMU all night. Hennessey’s instincts as a winger to make inroads and drive with the ball created movement in the attack. Her ability to find the end line further makes her a threat to opposing teams.

Impressed with her performance following the match Bell said, “She’s a special kid with some special gifts and we’re definitely happy she’s on our team as opposed to having to deal with that.”

Moments later, Hennessey nearly turned goal scorer when her header caromed off the crossbar.

The Frogs led 1-0 after halftime and continued their threatening attacks in the second half. While the TCU attack was on full display, credit is due to the defense. Grace Coppinger and Brenna Brosam, who played all 90 minutes, led the backline to a shutout. Lauren Kellett made five crucial saves, earning her 21st clean sheet of her career and tying Emily Alvarado’s career record.

.@Laurenkellett1 makes it look easy 😤 pic.twitter.com/xiMYteWrQN
— TCU Soccer (@TCUSoccer) August 18, 2023

Coach Bell had nothing but praise for Kellett. “She made some big saves to keep us in the game and keep the clean sheet. She’s grown so much over the last four years, I’m happy for her and happy to get the shutout. It’s a total team effort, but she stood out and was one of our special players tonight,” Bell said.

The team put together a fantastic shift on Thursday. In over 100-degree weather, the Frogs worked as a unit to get all three points. Kellett said, “It sets the tone for the games to come, but it was good to get a clean sheet. I had a great defense in front of me.” She continued, “We’re organized, we talk a lot. It’s definitely a team effort.”

While the Frogs took all three points, it was a special day for Zoe Calyer, Gabbi Ceballos, Bella Diorio, and Marli Galdamez, who each made their collegiate debuts. It was also unique for Jennie Immethun, Sandra Jakobsen, and Petie Nassetta, who made their TCU debuts after transferring in the offseason.

No. 9 TCU will now turn focus to Sunday, August 20, when they will host No. 6 Florida State. With the Seminoles coming off a 2-1 victory against Texas A&M, the Frogs will look to bring the heat in Texas.

The match will be televised on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. from Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium.

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