TCU Soccer: Frogs Take Care of Business Against the Bears

A.J. Hennessey converts from the spot to lift TCU to 1-0 victory over Baylor

The Frogs showed out on a beautiful Sunday afternoon against rivals Baylor in what was a tremendous performance for the final home regular season match of the season.

No. 21 TCU got off to a great start, controlling the tempo through its back line and midfield. The impact of Jennie Immethun and Grace Coppinger was felt yet again as the two center backs controlled the tempo of the match.

With Baylor struggling to get any sort of possession the Frogs attacked through A.J. Hennessey, who was active all along the right flank, attacking her defender and surging to the endline. In the 8th minute, Hennessey found her way into the penalty area before being taken down by former Horned Frog, Tyler Isgrig. Moments later, Hennessey converted from the spot to give TCU a 1-0 lead. It was her 4th goal of the season and second goal contribution in the last two matches. The Frogs continued to control the flow of the match after jumping out to an early lead.

A.J. Hennessey (3) converts from the penalty spot in the 8th minute to give TCU a 1-0 lead :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

The Frogs made it particularly difficult for the Bears to build out from the back as TCU defended from the front. The likes of Gracie Brian and Camryn Lancaster worked tirelessly to win the ball and regain possession for TCU.

Despite imposing their dominance, the Frogs were unable to add to their lead in the first half. Minutes after the goal, Hennessey whipped in a cross toward Coppinger, whose header flashed just wide of the post. Shortly after, Brenna Brosam was presented with an opportunity from inside the penalty area, but skied her shot high from the right side of the goal. In the 42nd minute, Bella Diorio had the best chance of the half to extend the TCU lead, but her left-footed shot from the edge of the box was parried away by the diving Ashlee Zirkel.

Unable to extend their lead, the Frogs entered the half ahead 1-0.

Just over a minute into the 2nd half, Lauren Kellett collided with a Baylor attacker while coming out and getting a two-handed punch to the ball. A scary moment for the goalkeeper, she was able to carry on in the match.

While Baylor finally found their footing in the match, generating more inspiring attacks, the Frogs answered right back with a few chances of their own. In the 56th minute, Olivia Hasler surged into the penalty area and picked out Seven Castain. Six yards away from goal, Zirkel made a tremendous save to keep Castain out. Rebounding to Castain she had another shot which was skillfully blocked by defender Ava Colberg.

A.J. Hennessey (3) and the Frogs celebrate after her penalty in the 8th minute :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

A.J. Hennessey (3) and the Frogs celebrate after her penalty in the 8th minute.

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Camryn Lancaster (21) shielding to ball to maintain possession for the Frogs :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

Camryn Lancaster (21) shielding to ball to maintain possession for the Frogs.

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Olivia Hasler (right) getting a foot in to block a clearance from the Baylor defense :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

Olivia Hasler (right) getting a foot in to block a clearance from the Baylor defense.

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Gracie Brian (17) chases down the ball to keep it in play for TCU :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

Gracie Brian (17) chases down the ball to keep it in play for TCU.

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Sandra Jakobsen (right) takes on a Baylor defender near the corner flag :: Brian McLean, On Assignment Photo/KillerFrogs

Sandra Jakobsen (right) takes on a Baylor defender near the corner flag.

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In the 79th minute, the ball dropped to Theresa McCullough in the penalty area where she laced a right-footed shot that was saved by Kellett. Falling to her left, Kellett made her second save of the game to keep TCU ahead.

Despite Baylor’s efforts to draw level, the Frogs saw out their lead to defeat the Bears 1-0. With Sunday’s victory, TCU now moves into 2nd in the Big 12 with 20 points but remains three points behind the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Head coach Eric Bell and the team will have eight days before they travel to Austin when they take on the Texas Longhorns to close out the 2023 regular season on Monday, Oct. 23.

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