The Kansas soccer team managed just one unsuccessful shot in the first half Thursday night and TCU countered with one goal, and that margin held for the rest of the match despite an offensive uptick from the Jayhawks. KU fell 1-0 on the road Thursday night to drop to 3-5-6 (0-4-3 in Big 12 Conference play).
Skylar Henrich threaded a pass through the KU defense to set up Gracie Brian for her sixth goal of the year shortly before halftime, and TCU goalkeeper only needed one save on five shots from the Jayhawks after the break to preserve the shutout.
Melania Pasar had two stops for KU, including an acrobatic snag on a long-range Camryn Lancaster attempt in the 18th minute. Lancaster and Brian led all players with three shots each, while Shira Elinav’s two shots paced the Jayhawks.
Maree Shinkle put KU’s lone attempt on target midway through the second half.
The 23rd-ranked Horned Frogs improved to 9-3-2 on the season and remained unbeaten (5-0-1) in Big 12 matches.
“I thought we made it really difficult for them,” KU coach Mark Francis said in a press release. “Watching them (TCU) play some of the other teams, we made it way more difficult than they have had in some of their other games. I thought our defensive plan was really good. The kids executed it. In the second half, I thought we were more composed on the ball and playing out. We created some decent opportunities.”
The Jayhawks will be back home for their second of three straight Sunday home games when they host conference newcomer Houston at Rock Chalk Park. The Cougars are 1-5 so far in league play and will be looking for their first road win in the Big 12.
Missy Minear/Kansas Athletics
