TCU Soccer Battles Northern Arizona to 1-1 Draw

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"We created plenty of chances, we just have to keep knocking on the door," TCU head coach Dan Abdalla said. "They are going to start going in. I thought that was about as good as we have played all year defensively. I didn't think we gave up a lot and we kept things very solid. We had one time where they caught us, and at this time in the season, those catch up to you. We showed good character by fighting back and taking control. We are going to keep hammering and at some point, we will put more of our chances in."

Sophomore Ashlea Bullington had a tremendous night in a spot start in goal for the Horned Frogs, turning back three saves in 110 minutes of play. The Fort Worth, Texas native was notified that she was starting just before the national anthem.

"Ashlea Bullington showed a whole lot of character to have to step in two minutes before kickoff without knowing and play as solid as she did," Abdalla said. "I was extremely impressed with what she was able to do for us tonight."

After the Lumberjacks took a 1-0 lead in the first half, Calhoun netted the equalizer on an assist from junior Elise Kensinger in the 53rd minute. Kensinger sent the ball past the NAU backline as Calhoun beat the last defender into the box for an open shot on goal, tallying her fourth score of the season. Calhoun has been on fire since returning to the Frogs' starting lineup on Sept. 9, netting four of her goals in the last five games.

TCU had numerous opportunities to take the lead later in the period, outshooting NAU for the game, 25-12. The Frogs rattled off nine shots on goal, led by Calhoun (4) and senior Alex Mechalske (3).

Sophomore Brittany Slyman had a pair of golden opportunities come her way later in the half, banging an attempt off the right post, hustling to the rebound and missing the put-back wide left. Calhoun also had a blast from the top of the box rejected by the right post.

TCU did a great job setting up chances in the box. Calhoun led freshman Tori Hale into the box in the 65th minute, but her pass was too long for the Abilene, Texas product to receive, reaching the NAU goalkeeper. Slyman got an open shot on goal on a pass from newcomer Natalie Werner, but the attempt sailed wide.

With five minutes remaining in regulation, Calhoun tipped a ball to the top of the box to Mechalske, but the Fort Worth, Texas native ripped her shot wide right.

In the overtime sessions, TCU came out with an aggressive approach to try and put the game away, outshooting NAU, 9-3. The Frogs lined up four attempts on goal in the opening extra period, but the Lumberjacks' goalkeeper kept getting in the way TCU's sixth win. Calhoun had a shot to end it with less than a minute in the first overtime frame, streaking into the box for a blast, missing wide left.

TCU will hit the road to take on Houston Baptist Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Tags: TCU