FORT WORTH, TEXAS — #2 TCU dismantled #7 Memphis 4-0 on Friday night in a dominant NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship performance, with the Horned Frogs' clinical finishing overwhelming the Tigers' defense from start to finish. The victory came before 1,543 fans at a neutral site and showcased TCU's tournament credentials as the team continues its run through the postseason.
Seven Castain opened the scoring in the 2nd minute with an assist from Emma Yolinsky, setting an aggressive tone that Memphis never recovered from. Katana Norman doubled the lead in the 9th minute with help from Morgan Brown and Sydney Becerra, and Becerra herself converted a penalty kick in the 12th minute to give TCU a commanding 3-0 advantage before halftime. Castain added her second goal in the 41st minute off a Marli Galdamez assist, sealing the rout and effectively ending any suspense about the match's outcome.
The first half belonged entirely to TCU, which controlled possession and created multiple scoring opportunities while Memphis struggled to generate any meaningful attacking rhythm. The Tigers managed just three shots on goal through 45 minutes, with goalkeeper Abby Kudla forced into action several times to keep the deficit from growing even larger. TCU's defense, anchored by goalkeeper Olivia Geller, suffocated Memphis's offensive threats and limited the visitors to the perimeter for most of the opening period.
Memphis offered little resistance after the break, with TCU continuing to dictate play and control the tempo. The Tigers did manage a few chances, including a shot from Carli Crews that Geller saved in the 44th minute, but they never threatened to make the scoreline respectable. Ashley Henderson and Ai Kitagawa had opportunities for Memphis but couldn't find the back of the net, leaving the team scoreless across 90 minutes of play.
Statistically, the disparity was stark. TCU outshot Memphis 17-10 overall and 6-3 on target, while also winning the corner kick battle 5-3. Geller made three saves for the Frogs, while Kudla recorded two stops for the Tigers. Memphis's Evelyn Mackay received a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 59th minute, the match's only disciplinary action.
The performance highlighted TCU's attacking depth and clinical finishing, with multiple players contributing to the offensive onslaught. Castain's two-goal effort demonstrated the Frogs' ability to capitalize on chances, while the supporting cast of Becerra, Norman, and Yolinsky created a relentless attacking force that Memphis's backline simply couldn't contain. TCU's defensive organization was equally impressive, with the team allowing minimal space and forcing Memphis into hurried, ineffective play throughout.
For Memphis, the loss marked a significant step backward after advancing through the tournament's earlier rounds. The Tigers, who entered with a 17-1-3 record, couldn't replicate the form that carried them past Illinois in their previous match. The defensive breakdown was particularly concerning, as the team conceded four goals to a TCU side that showed why it's among the nation's elite programs.
The victory improves TCU's record to 17-2-2 and extends the Frogs' winning streak to two matches. The team's ability to execute at both ends of the field—combining suffocating defense with explosive offense—suggests the Horned Frogs will be a formidable opponent for University of North Carolina.