Oct. 11, 2009

Box Score in PDF Format

STILLWATER, Okla. - Oklahoma State snapped a four-game losing streak with a 1-0 win over Texas Sunday afternoon at the Cowgirl Soccer Complex.
 
Annika Niemeier's team-leading fifth goal of the season was the difference as the Cowgirls improved to 8-7-0 overall and 2-5-0 in Big 12 Conference play. The loss was the first for Texas since Sept. 20 as the Longhorns fell to 6-6-2 and 2-1-2 in the league.
 
"We talked all week about how we've played well all season and lost games, and we told the girls what we had to do was roll our sleeves up and find a way to win. And it's a credit to the team, that's exactly what they did," said OSU head coach Colin Carmichael. "It was an even game, and we knew it was gonna be tight because Texas is a good team. Our whole focus was we had to win the game. It didn't matter if it was pretty or not. We'll take it."
 
In a match that was statistically even throughout, the two teams battled to a 0-0 draw in the opening half.
 
Both teams had five shots in the first half, and OSU goal keeper AD Franch recorded three of her six saves in the opening 45 minutes, including a diving effort late to deflect a shot by Sophie Campise and keep UT off the scoreboard.
 
 
Early in the second half, OSU had a strong scoring opportunity when Katie Richardson sent a cross towards the box intended for a streaking Kyndall Treadwell. But UT goalie Alexa Gaul dove to intercept the pass.
 
With 37:52 remaining, another standout save by Franch kept her shutout intact as she leapt and knocked a header from Kylie Doniak over the crossbar.
 
In the 62nd minute, Niemeier would finally break the scoreless tie. After Richardson sent a pass to Niemeier just outside the box, Niemeier fired a shot that was deflected by a UT defender. But the ball bounced right back to Niemeier, who blasted the rebound into the back of the net from 11-yards out.
 
Franch, who entered the weekend leading the Big 12 in shutouts, notched her sixth of the season with the six-save effort.
 
OSU returns to action Friday when the Cowgirls travel to Lubbock, Texas, to take on Texas Tech at 7 p.m.