Women's Soccer Downed by TLU
October 22, 2023
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The University of Dallas women's soccer team lost their conference match against Texas Lutheran University 3-0 on Sunday. They fall to 5-9-1 on the season and 3-3 in conference play.
The Crusaders came out firing and looked to deal an early blow to the Bulldogs with a couple of scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Claire Reed, who had scored in three straight matches going into this game, put a shot on frame in the first 90 seconds of the match, but Charleigh Phipps was equal to the task as she recorded her first save.
Not even two minutes later, Dallas nearly capitalized on a crucial error by the Bulldogs, as they lost possession deep in their own half. Having won the ball with her high press, Andrea Coppi found Miriam Skinner just outside the 18 yard box. She was forced to take a quick shot with her weak foot as she was closed down quickly by defenders, and her shot sailed just wide of the left post.
The Bulldogs netted the first goal of the game three minutes later, and the momentum shifted in their favor for the rest of the half as Dallas struggled to create any more chances.
Dallas came out in the second half and started positively. Once again, they took possession deep in Bulldogs territory thanks to their high press and Reed nearly made them pay with an ambitious effort from outside the box. But her effort tailed wide of the left post.
TLU doubled their lead in the 71st minute, prompting yet another fiery start from the kick-off by Dallas. Reed once again was at the heart of the action and managed to put a decent shot on goal with her weak foot from the edge of the box, but the keeper made a comfortable save to preserve the clean sheet.
The Bulldogs made it 3-0 in the 75th minute, scoring two goals in the span of four minutes to put the nail in the coffin. The Crusaders tested the keeper two more times in the half, but couldn't find the back of the net.
Up Next
The Crusaders have one game remaining on their schedule and, as of now, are in fourth place in the SCAC standings and qualify for the postseason tournament. Their final match of the season will be at home against Austin College on Friday, Oct. 27 at 5:00 pm.