TCU stayed undefeated at home and handed BYU its first conference loss of the year with a 4-1 victory Thursday night at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas. Both teams were coming off victories from the prior week. The Cougars were coming off a one-to-nil victory over the Arizona State Wildcats, while the Horned Frogs defeated Cal-Poly 5-1.
BYU would strike first in the 19th minute.
Freshman defender Presley Freeman led a counterattack and found Ally Fryer at the top of the 18-yard box, scoring her third goal of the season. Fryer held off her defender, blasting a shot off into the upper 90 as the Cougars led 1-0.
Forward Seven Castain had success last year against BYU, scoring two goals in last year's conference matchup. The Draper native picked up where she left off, equalizing for the Horned Frogs in the 32nd minute off a penalty kick.
With new life following the penalty kick, TCU would score three more unanswered goals.
Caroline Kelly would give the Horned Frogs a 2-1 lead right before the half ended in the 43rd minute. Kelly took off a cross from defender Cameron Patton and headed past BYU goalkeeper Lynette Hernaez.
TCU kept its foot on the gas, earning a second penalty right out the gate in the 49th minute.
Castain drew a foul from BYU defender Ella Rustand inside the 18-yard mark and Caroline Kelly, who scored right before the first half ended, would cash in for her second goal of the match.
The Cougars tried to counter multiple times but were unsuccessful.
The Horned Frogs would break through again, adding extra insurance with their fourth goal of the night off their fourth corner kick.
Maddie Brown found the back of the net in the 56th minute for her first goal for the 2024 season.
The Cougars will now head back home to face The University of Utah on Sept 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MDT. The game will be televised live on ESPN+.
TCU’s Defense Shines
TCU limited BYU to just three shots in the entire match, a testament to their defensive strength and the Cougars' struggles to break through the Horned Frogs' backline. The Horned Frogs' defense was organized, disciplined, and aggressive, frustrating the BYU offense throughout the match.
Caroline Kelly Stars in the Attack
The TCU offense was led by Caroline Kelly, who scored twice and earned the Player of the Match honor. Kelly's two goals demonstrated her skill, positioning, and finishing ability. It was a standout performance that propelled the Horned Frogs to a comfortable victory.
Horned Frogs Focus on Team Success
Despite the individual accolades, TCU's success stems from their team approach. As Coach Eric Bell emphasized, the Horned Frogs are committed to collective effort and teamwork, which played a crucial role in their victory over BYU. This team spirit and shared commitment are essential for future success, as they prepare to face other formidable opponents in the Big 12.
TCU Looks Ahead
TCU’s victory over BYU is a significant boost to their momentum as they enter a crucial stretch of their season. Their next challenge is against the Arizona Wildcats on Sunday. The Wildcats will be a tough test, but TCU is confident in their ability to maintain their high level of play and capitalize on their recent success.
The Horned Frogs’ ability to overcome the initial challenge from BYU and secure a convincing victory demonstrates their resilience and potential. As they move forward, their focus will be on continuing their strong performance and achieving even greater success in the upcoming games.
Beyond the Game
The TCU women's soccer team's victory over BYU is not just a win for the Horned Frogs, but it also highlights the exciting future of women's soccer in the Big 12. With both teams filled with young talent, the rivalry between TCU and BYU promises to be intense and competitive for years to come. This game was a glimpse into the future of Big 12 women's soccer, with both teams showcasing their passion, skill, and dedication to the sport.
The Horned Frogs’ victory over BYU is just the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting season for both teams. The Big 12 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive conferences in the country, and TCU and BYU are poised to play a significant role in its continued success.
