WVU knocks off Texas Tech, upsets No. 6 OSU

It was a historic weekend for the West Virginia women’s soccer team, which earned its first victories in Big 12 Conference play when it beat Texas Tech and No. 6 Oklahoma State.

"I’m proud of the team," said head coach Nikki Izzo-Brown. "I couldn’t ask for a better way to start these Big 12 Conference games."

Junior forward Frances Silva scored the game-winning goal against Oklahoma State, with less than two minutes remaining, after beating a defender on the right side and launching the ball from the top of the box into the top left corner of the net.

The majority of the game remained scoreless. Izzo-Brown commented on Oklahoma State goalkeeper Adrianna Franch’s athleticism, who finished the game with seven saves.

"Their goalie is amazing, but we kept shooting, kept going at them by taking shots and chances, and it paid off," Silva said.

The Mountaineers finished with 16 shots to Oklahoma State’s 12. WVU goalkeeper Sara Keane finished with three saves.

"Sara did her job today. I thought she came up with a big save in the first half and a couple more in the second half. I brought her here to win championships, and that is exactly what she is doing," Izzo-Brown said. "She’s been great."

In their first weekend against Big 12 competition, the Mountaineers wanted to prove right away they could play with the best in the league.

With the win against Oklahoma State, they think they were able to do just that.

"We beat the defending champions. That’s a statement in itself. We’re here to play, and we’re here to win," Silva said.

In Friday’s game against Texas Tech, Silva scored two of the three goals for West Virginia, including another game winner in the 79th minute. Friday’s game was Silva’s third two-goal game.

"We asked a lot of Frances tonight," Izzo-Brown said. "There are goal scorers, and that’s what Frances is. She just needs to keep grinding out, and that’s what she’s doing. We’re proud of her."

Silva gave the Mountaineers an early lead in the 33rd minute after getting a breakaway and shooting the ball past Texas Tech goalkeeper Victoria Esson, 1-0.

In the 42nd minute, West Virginia doubled its lead on a corner taken by Bry McCarthy to a header by defender Mallory Smith.

Mountaineer defense was outstanding, and West Virginia entered the half leading the Red Raiders, 2-0.

Texas Tech regrouped and tweaked its lineup entering the second half.

In the 51st minute, a pass made by Texas Tech defender Hayley Haagsma gave defender Morgan Johnson the opportunity to score for the Red Raiders. Johnson rocketed the ball from inside the box, and Tech rejoined the game, 2-1.

In the 73rd minute, Texas Tech evened the score when midfielder Erin Inman shot inside the right corner of the net from 20 yards out.

A penalty kick taken by Silva in the 79th minute gave the Mountaineers the win, 3-2.

Coach Izzo-Brown was not pleased with the lack of intensity shown by the Mountaineers early in the second half.

"I thought the first half we played some really good soccer. Second half, we didn’t complete the game, but after their goal we woke up and found a way to win," Izzo-Brown said.

Texas Tech finished with 16 shots to West Virginia’s 11 shots. West Virginia goalkeeper Sara Keane had six saves.

The Mountaineers will play their first on-the-road Big 12 Conference game Friday at 8 p.m. against the TCU Horned Frogs.