In front of 2,081 Mountaineer fans, Texas suffered its second loss of the season on Sunday in a 2-1 defeat in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Longhorns were without talented freshmen Julia Grosso and Emma Regan for the fifth straight game as they are currently representing the Canadian Women’s Senior National Team at the CONCACAF Women’s Championship in Edinburg, Texas. Now, Texas is 2–2–1 without the Canadian tandem during that span.
WVU gave the Longhorns’ midfield and backline trouble all game. Grosso and Regan’s absence was felt as the Mountaineers out-shot the Longhorns, 19-5 and 7-1 in shots on goal. In addition, West Virginia attempted nine corners while Texas failed to attempt any. Without Grosso on the field, Texas struggled to control possession, producing much of their offensive attacks through counters. Without Regan Goalkeeper Nicole Curry was tested all day, making diving stop after diving stop, including a spectacular save in front of goal at the 48 minute mark. Curry finished the game with five saves in all.
Sophomore forward Haley Berg was another bright spot for Texas, scoring the opening goal in the 19 minute mark. Following a patient and precise pass from forward Cyera Hintzen, Berg cut back, avoiding two defenders and shot the ball past the keeper, and into the far left post to give Texas the lead.
West Virginia scored the equalizer on a PK after a Texas handball was called inside the box. Mountaineer defender Bianca St. Georges beat Curry to the right side to level the score 1-1.
Just three minutes following the tying goal, West Virginia put Texas away as St. Georges struck the ball from outside the box and into the far right post for a final goal.
With the loss, Texas sits in fourth place while West Virginia stands alone as the sole leader in the Big 12 standings.
Heading into the Red-River game against the Sooners, Texas will have to figure out a way to control possession and lessen defensive breakdowns without Grosso and Regan or they will be in danger of suffering a second straight loss. Texas kicks off another matchup against Oklahoma at Mike A. Myers Stadium at 7 p.m. on Friday.
