TXST Press Release: DENTON, Texas – Facing a tough North Texas squad that came in ranked fourth in the South Region by the United Soccer Coaches and held an 85.5% winning percentage at the UNT Soccer and Track & Field Stadium entering Sunday, the Texas State soccer team (5-0-1) gutted out a 2-2 draw to remain undefeated on the season.
A scoreless first half saw three great opportunities for the Bobcats. The first came from Zoe Junior in the eighth minute as with an attempt from the upper left corner of the 18-yard box that was caught near the post by the goalkeeper.
The sophomore had another opportunity in the 26th minute. Her shot in the box was blocked at the last second by the keeper and went out of play for a corner kick. Mya Ulloa nearly put TXST on the scoreboard when a short cross from Westyn Henderson found the junior midfielder and her shot went slightly wide of the left post.
UNT almost tallied its first goal of the contest on a free kick nearly five minutes into the second half. Taylor Tufts’ attempt smacked off the crossbar and stayed in play.
The Mean Green got the breakthrough goal in the 72nd minute when Kat Burnell was able to backheel a pass to Madison Drenowatz for a short shot on frame.
Late in the 79 minute, Kiara Gonzales was dragged down just outside the penalty box on the left side. Mya Ulloa sent the free kick in to the box that found Addison Peters. The freshman was able to keep enough balance despite a push in the back from a defender to knock the ball past the keeper to tie the match.
A minute later UNT answered on a goal from Summer Brown that was assisted by a teammate kicking a Bobcat defender before a clearance attempt to open up the shot attempt.
The Bobcats won a corner kick during the 85th minute. After the ball bounced around it came out to Wimberley Wright, who unleashed a shot that clanked off the bottom of the crossbar. A Mean Green defender headed the ball right to Haley Shaw and she sent it into the corner to tie the match again at 2-2.
UNT outshot TXST 14-8 but both teams placed four shots on goal apiece. Leading all players was Junior with four shots and she placed two on frame. Only other Bobcat with multiple attempts was Shaw with two.
Katelyn Chrisman made two saves on the afternoon between the posts.
