Soccer Drops Tough Battle At Texas Tech

Thursday, August 24

Lubbock, Texas

8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT

Ball State University

Texas Tech

Photo by: Bobby Ellis (Ball State Creative Services)

August 24, 2023 | Soccer

Box Score

LUBBOCK, TEXAS - - In another tough road test, the Ball State soccer team played Texas Tech to a 1-1 draw through the opening 45 minutes Thursday night at the John Walker Soccer Complex.

Unfortunately, three second-half goals helped the Red Raiders (2-0-1) slip past the Cardinals (1-2-0) by a final score of 4-1.

"We had some good moments, that were unfortunately overshadowed by some not great moments," head coach Josh Rife said. "Defending in the box is an area we will need to improve upon over the break until our next game. On our day, we can play against anyone. If we can continue to get better there is a bright road ahead for this group, but it will have to come with some hard work."

Early on, it was more brilliant play from junior netminder Bethany Moser which kept the match close as she recorded four of her six saves in the opening half. The effort included a pair of diving saves and breaking up a two-on-one to keep it a one-goal game in the 22nd minute.

Sophomore forward Delaney Caldwell added a highlight moment of her own in the 36th minute, reading a defender's pass just outside the box, intercepting the ball and taking it in to score her first goal of the season.

Trailing 2-1 in the 55th minute, senior forward Avery Fenchel nearly connected for her fourth goal of the season, smashing the ball off the top left corner of the TTU crossbar. Fenchel kept the pressure on late as well, with a header going just over the cross bar in the 79th minute.

Ball State returns to the road next Sunday (Sept. 3) at Loyola. Kickoff at Loyola Soccer Park is set for 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT.