LUBBOCK, Texas – The ACU soccer team continued to prove it can play with anyone after squaring off with another Big 12 opponent Sunday night. The Wildcats hung tough with the Texas Tech Red Raiders at the John B. Walker Complex, falling 1-0 in a defensive slugfest. ACU (2-2) showed how strong their defense is yet again, holding the Red Raiders (4-0) scoreless in the first half.
ACU used strategy at the coin flip to get a strong wind in their favor in the first half. However, the Wildcats went against the wind, up to 17 miles per hour, in the second half, and Texas Tech took advantage. The Red Raiders scored in the 55th minute, when Jordan Duke controlled a loose ball at the top of the box and ripped it home for the lone goal of the night.
The Wildcats were unable to take advantage of the wind in the first 45 minutes, tallying just one shot attempt in that span. The shot by
Shay Johnson, that was saved in the 22nd minute by Marissa Zucchetto, was the lone shot of the game.
On the other side, the ACU defense was stingy once again, despite facing 19 Red Raider shots, including nine in first half and 10 in the second. The Purple and White held strong, and have now held all four opponents scoreless in the first stanza this season.
Rachel Johnson added another six saves, bringing her season total to 14 through three games. The biggest save came two minutes before halftime, as the redshirt junior cleared the ball while sliding, using her right foot on a breakaway one-one-one. Her outstanding effort squandered the biggest opportunity for Texas Tech in the first 45 minutes. The goal in the second half was the first allowed this season by Johnson.
Texas Tech held an 11-3 edge in corner kicks as well.
The Wildcats will have a week off of game action before returning to Elmer Gray Stadium in Abilene for a non-conference date with New Mexico State on Sunday, Sept. 2. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
