TEMPE, ARIZONA - TCU (14-2-1) continued their winning streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Arizona State (10-5-3) on Sunday afternoon. The Horned Frogs extended their winning run to four matches while handing the Sun Devils their first loss in three games.
Morgan Brown put TCU ahead in the 38th minute, connecting with a header off a precise assist from Kaela Martinez. Cameron Patton doubled the visitors' advantage in the 60th minute with an unassisted header to the lower right corner. Arizona State's Tatum Thomason pulled one back in the 67th minute, finishing off a setup from Addison Baltodano, but the Sun Devils couldn't find an equalizer.
The first half saw TCU establish control early, with Seven Castain forcing multiple saves from ASU goalkeeper Pauline Nelles. The Horned Frogs' pressure resulted in seven shots before the break, including attempts from Kamdyn Fuller and Sydney Becerra in the opening minutes. Arizona State's defensive unit, anchored by Grace Gillard, weathered early pressure but struggled to generate attacking opportunities.
TCU maintained their attacking momentum after halftime, with Patton's goal coming during a period of sustained pressure. The Sun Devils showed renewed energy after Thomason's goal, with Grace Gillard testing TCU keeper Olivia Geller in the 77th minute. The match's intensity peaked in the final fifteen minutes as Arizona State pushed for an equalizer, but TCU's backline, led by Cameron Patton, held firm.
The statistical advantage belonged decisively to TCU, who outshot Arizona State 23-5, including an 8-3 edge in shots on target. The Horned Frogs earned seven corner kicks to ASU's two, while both teams showed discipline with TCU receiving two yellow cards (Katana Norman in the 22nd minute) and ASU one (Tatum Thomason in the 51st minute).
Several players delivered standout performances, particularly TCU's Seven Castain, who recorded four shots and consistently threatened ASU's defense. Pauline Nelles made six crucial saves for Arizona State, while TCU's Olivia Geller secured two important stops. Emma Yolinsky and Sydney Becerra provided creative spark in midfield for TCU, combining for multiple dangerous attacking sequences.
The tactical battle showcased TCU's high-pressing approach, which disrupted Arizona State's build-up play throughout the match. The Sun Devils adjusted in the second half, finding more success through quick transitions and utilizing Thomason's pace on the counter-attack. TCU head coach Eric Bell's strategic substitutions, including the introduction of Kaela Martinez, proved crucial in maintaining their attacking momentum.
This victory strengthens TCU's position as one of the conference's top teams, extending their impressive run of form that includes recent wins over Oklahoma State and Arizona. For Arizona State, despite the loss, their competitive showing against a strong TCU side demonstrates their resilience, particularly in their second-half performance.
The match ultimately turned on TCU's clinical finishing and superior possession play, though Arizona State's late surge highlighted their fighting spirit. The Horned Frogs' ability to control the tempo and create quality chances while limiting their opponents' opportunities proved decisive in securing their fourteenth win of the season.
Both teams now turn their attention to upcoming matches, with TCU hosting Houston on October 30th, while Arizona State travels to face rival Arizona on the same date. The Horned Frogs will look to extend their winning streak, while the Sun Devils aim to bounce back from this narrow defeat.