LUBBOCK, Texas (October 9, 2021) – Lubbock Christian University started the Lone Star Conference game the right way, defeating No. 6 West Texas A&M 3-0 Saturday at the LCU Soccer & Track Complex.
Chap's win over the Buffs was the first over a nationally ranked opponent since October 4, 2018, when they beat No. 23 WT 2- 1 in overtime. LCU is now 4-4 on the year and the LSC game begins 1-0.
Lubbock Christian controlled the game pretty much from the start, taking the first shot on goal from either team in the 11th minute but the attempt of Tomas Casas was saved. WT landed three corner kicks in a three-minute span around the 11:07 mark and put up his first shot on goal at the 13: 5 mark, but Braxton Thorne saved.
Then, on the 21st st the Chaparrales made their way. Juan José Valdez López received a ball in the LCU's third offense and was brought down by Marshall Ball about 35 yards from goal, giving the Chaps a free throw. Luca Hollenstein took the free kick and capitalized, beating Buff's goalie on the right side to give LCU the lead.
West Texas A&M tried to respond quickly, putting a shot on goal on the 23rd minute rd but Thorne saved him against. That attempt would be the Buffs' last shot on goal of the game, as Lubbock Christian became the first team to knock out West Texas A&M this season. The Buffs averaged 2.75 goals per game and the two shots on goal were the lowest since last season's meeting with St. Mary's.
The Chaparrals doubled the lead just before halftime, thanks to Héctor Rodríguez-Cabo . The older defender scooped a ball wide and then came down the baseline around a WT defender, who tried to save the play and fouled him in the box. Rodríguez-Cabo took the ensuing penalty himself and converted for a 2-0 LCU lead.
WT switched goalkeepers for the second half, but Lubbock Christian continued to apply offensive pressure. Rodríguez-Cabo went for his second goal in minute 58 but had him arrested.
Tariq Bakkali used elegant footwork to beat his defender in the 61st minute and nearly added the third goal, but his shot bounced off the post.
Finally, in the 64th minute Lubbock Christian put the nail in the coffin thanks to another West Texas A&M foul. Luciano Rodríguez took the free-kick about 30 yards, preparing a free throw. Fernando Flores took it and threw a cross that was intercepted by a WT defender, but the ball bounced towards Rodríguez, who sent a sliding shot to the back of the net.
West Texas A&M won four corner kicks for the remainder of the game, but never had any real scoring threat the rest of the way as the Chaps headed for an upset victory.
Lubbock Christian will now turn his attention to the matchup of the Wednesday against Oklahoma Christian, which will be the first time they test the game as a visitor to the Lone Star Conference in Oklahoma City.
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