Horned Frogs and Cowgirls to battle on Saturday
8/25/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 25, 2007
FORT WORTH, Texas - The TCU soccer program will conclude its exhibition slate this Saturday against Oklahoma State at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium. Start time is set for 6 p.m.
Oklahoma State comes into the contest ranked No. 23 in the NSCAA/adidas poll. Their match against TCU will mark the first exhibition contest for the Cowgirls this season.
Scouting TCU
With the return of 84 percent of its scoring and a high number of impact newcomers ready to contribute, the TCU women's soccer program has its sights set on post-season play after a one year absence.
The Horned Frogs return eight starters from last season's 6-8-4 squad and anxiously await the return of seniors Angie Nickens, who missed the entire 2006 season with an injury and Lauren Pope, who despite missing the final 11 games with a leg injury was TCU's second-leading scorer with four goals last fall.
TCU's recruiting class, which was ranked 40th in the nation by Soccer Buzz Magazine last spring, has the potential and the background to play early and often in 2007 and many of the newcomers could play significant roles in TCU's quest for a championship.
Scouting Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State is coming off the best season in the program's history.
In 2006, the Cowgirls finished 17-3-3, setting a school record for wins. With an 8-1-1 mark, they finished second in the Big 12 Conference standings. After advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in its history, OSU won its first-ever NCAA tourney game with a 2-0 win over UNC-Greensboro.
OSU climbed to as high as No. 7 in the national polls in 2006 and ended the season ranked 12th by Soccer Buzz and 17th in the NSCAA/adidas poll.
Last Time Out
TCU opened its exhibition slate on Wednesday with a 0-0 tie against Stephen F. Austin at the Stephen F. Austin Soccer Complex.
The Horned Frogs and Ladyjacks battled to a scoreless draw in the first half. For the period, both teams recorded two shots apiece. Junior Caroline Starns led the TCU offensive attack with one shot-on-goal, while freshman goalkeeper Kelsey Walters posted the first half shutout.
Early in the second half, Lizzy Karoly, a sophomore from Escondido, Calif., looked to put the Horned Frogs on the board, but saw her shot hit the post. Michelle Nguyen, a Richardson native, followed with a shot of her own, but failed to connect from five yards out.
For the match, TCU outshot the Ladyjacks, 15-7, including 13-5 in the second half. Karoly led the Horned Frogs with five shots on the day, while Jackie Torda chipped in with three.
On defense, Walters and Kelsey Vross split time in goal and posted three saves on the night. All three came in the second half.
Follow The Horned Frogs
Fans not able to attend this weekend's match against Oklahoma State can follow the game live by logging onto www.gofrogs.com and clicking on the gametracker link. All regular season contests will be broadcast live via webstreaming on gofrogs.com.
A Good Start
Lizzy Karoly, a sophomore from Escondido, Calif., got off to a hot start this season with a five shot performance against Stephen F. Austin on Wednesday. Karoly was TCU's leading goal scorer in 2006 with six goals. She was named to the Top Drawer Soccer's third team All-Rookie squad last fall.
Facing Home State
TCU will place three Oklahoma natives on the field this Saturday in Kaylie Garcia, Chelsea Cody and Kelsey Walters.
All three saw their first collegiate action against Stephen F. Austin on Wednesday. Walters, an Oklahoma City native, posted a shutout against the Ladyjacks.
Horned Frogs On CSTV
The TCU soccer team will have its Sept. 30 contest against Houston broadcast nationally on CSTV.
The match against the Cougars will mark the first time in school history a women's soccer game has been broadcast nation wide.
Next Opponent
TCU will open its regular season Aug. 31 against nationally ranked Texas in Austin, Texas. Start time is set for 7 p.m.
