FORT WORTH, TEXAS — TCU dominated Houston on Thursday evening, securing a 2-0 victory that extended the Horned Frogs' winning streak to five consecutive matches. Playing at home, TCU controlled the tempo throughout and capitalized on Houston's defensive vulnerabilities to remain unbeaten in conference play. The result leaves Houston searching for answers after a disappointing road loss, while TCU continues its impressive climb toward the NCAA Tournament.
AJ Hennessey broke through in the 19th minute, giving TCU an early advantage. The goal came after sustained pressure from the Horned Frogs' attacking unit, with Sydney Becerra and Cate Sarinopoulos combining to set up the finish. Emma Yolinsky added insurance in the 57th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to seal the shutout. Both goals came from open play, reflecting TCU's ability to create and finish chances when opportunities presented themselves.
The first half belonged almost entirely to TCU. The home side generated consistent attacking opportunities, with Cameron Patton and Morgan Brown testing Houston's defense repeatedly. Houston struggled to establish any meaningful rhythm in the opening 45 minutes, with goalkeeper Lexi Gonzalez forced into several saves to keep the deficit manageable. By halftime, TCU had registered four corner kicks compared to Houston's single corner, a clear indicator of who controlled the match's flow.
Houston emerged from the break with renewed intensity, but TCU's defense remained resolute. The Cougars created some chances through Samira Minor and Ava Shannon, but couldn't find the back of the net. TCU's goalkeeper Olivia Geller made four saves to preserve the clean sheet, while the Horned Frogs' backline—anchored by Seven Castain and Cameron Patton—limited Houston's most dangerous opportunities. The visitors' frustration mounted as the match wore on, leading to multiple yellow cards and a red card for Cameryn Maddox in the 81st minute that effectively ended any comeback hopes.
TCU's dominance in possession and territory was evident in the statistics. The Horned Frogs attempted 17 shots compared to Houston's six, while controlling the game's tempo for long stretches. Houston managed just four shots on goal, a reflection of how effectively TCU's midfield controlled the center of the pitch. The Cougars' discipline also became an issue, accumulating six yellow cards to TCU's one, suggesting they were chasing the game for much of the second half.
The victory underscores TCU's emergence as a national championship contender. With a 15-2-1 record and five consecutive wins, the Horned Frogs have built a tournament resume that should attract NCAA selection committee attention. Their ability to win convincingly at home, combined with recent road victories at Arizona and Arizona State, demonstrates the consistency required to make a deep postseason run.
For Houston, the loss drops the Cougars to 7-4-7 overall and marks their first defeat after consecutive draws against Kansas State and Baylor. The 2-0 result represents a significant step backward for a team searching for consistency. Houston will need to regroup quickly and address the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by TCU's clinical finishing.
TCU returns to action next weekend, while Houston faces a quick turnaround in its conference schedule. The Horned Frogs' continued excellence will be tested against stronger competition ahead, but Thursday's performance suggests they have the quality to compete with anyone in the nation.