LUBBOCK, TEXAS — Texas Tech and UCF played to a 0-0 stalemate Thursday night in a defensive struggle that left both teams searching for answers in front of goal. The Red Raiders dominated possession and created numerous chances throughout the match, but UCF's defense stood firm while the visitors' goalkeeper made five crucial saves. Neither team could find the back of the net despite sustained pressure, particularly from the home side, in front of a crowd at McKenzie Soccer Complex.
The first half featured Texas Tech controlling the tempo with multiple scoring opportunities. Peyton Parsons tested UCF's defense early in the 6th minute with a low shot to the left, while Molly Skurcenski fired another attempt wide in the 18th minute. Taylor Zdrojewski added to the pressure with a blocked shot in the 15th minute, and Sam Courtwright sent another effort high and wide just before halftime. UCF managed limited offensive chances, with Tyra Eriksen's shot sailing high and right in the 7th minute representing the Knights' best early opportunity.
Texas Tech's attacking intent continued after the break, with Parsons missing again in the 48th minute and 51st minute. The Red Raiders' relentless approach nearly paid dividends when Macy Blackburn's shot in the 79th minute struck the woodwork, coming agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock. Kate Leibel also had chances late in the match, firing high and wide in the 63rd and 83rd minutes. Despite the home team's territorial advantage, UCF's goalkeeper made critical saves to preserve parity.
The statistics told the story of Texas Tech's dominance. The Red Raiders fired 20 shot attempts compared to UCF's three, with five shots on goal to the Knights' two. Texas Tech also earned four corner kicks to UCF's two. Yet the visitors' defense, anchored by solid positioning and timely blocks, prevented the home team from capitalizing on their chances. Liz Worden blocked a shot in the 55th minute, while Molly Skurcenski and Skylar Haase added blocked attempts late in the second half.
Both teams made tactical adjustments throughout the match. Texas Tech cycled through substitutions, including changes at halftime that brought fresh legs to their attacking efforts. UCF made multiple defensive adjustments, particularly in the second half, bringing on fresh defenders to help weather the Red Raiders' assault. Lauren Woodruff received a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 80th minute as tensions mounted late in the match.
The draw leaves Texas Tech with a 13-2-3 record after bouncing back from a 3-0 loss at Colorado last week with a 3-1 victory over Kansas State. The Red Raiders' inability to convert chances despite their territorial control will frustrate head coach Lori Chalupny, who saw her team create enough opportunities to win comfortably. UCF, meanwhile, improved to 11-2-5 and extended their unbeaten streak to three matches after consecutive wins over Baylor and BYU.
For UCF, the road point represents a solid defensive performance against a team that had been playing well before this result. The Knights' goalkeeper was the difference-maker, turning away five shots to keep the match scoreless. The draw maintains UCF's tournament resume while keeping them in contention in the Big 12 Conference standings.
Texas Tech hosts Oklahoma State next, while UCF travels to face Cincinnati in their next conference matchup. Both teams will look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season with NCAA Tournament implications looming.