Sept. 12, 2008

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LUBBOCK, Texas - Despite having a 15-9 shot advantage, the Texas Tech soccer team fell, 2-1, to Arizona Friday night in front of an announced crowd of 748 at the John Walker Soccer Complex.

Those in attendance were able to sit in the complex's new grandstands that were constructed this week. The grandstands are still under construction and will not be completed until later this season.

After a scoreless first half, Arizona began the scoring in 55th minute as Jacqueline Broussard connected on her second goal of the season on a rebound from an attempted clear by the Tech defense. Close to five minutes later, Renaie Cuellar made the score 2-0 for the Wildcats off a successful penalty kick.

Tech would inch closer in the 87th minute as Sarabeth Clopton would head in a Lauren Yelinek free kick as Tech looked to mount its first comeback of the season. The goal was Clopton's second of the season.

The Red Raiders would look to mount momentum after Arizona's Analisa Marquez was issued a red card, but the Wildcats would keep the ball most of the match's closing minutes to advance to 4-2 on the season. Tech drops to 3-2-1 on the season with the loss.

"I told the team after the game that I was really proud of them tonight," Tech head coach Tom Stone said. "Arizona is one of the top teams in the west region, but we fought them to the end. With a 15-9 shot advantage, I thought we deserved better than a 2-1 decision, but even with the loss, I thought we really grew up tonight."

The loss prevented Tech goalkeeper Tina Rincon to break the school's all-time career shutout record as the senior remains at 11 shutouts over her four-year career. Rincon finished the match with two saves.

Rincon will get her second opportunity to break the record Sunday as the Red Raiders face Northwestern State. Kickoff is set for noon at the John Walker Soccer Complex.