Final Stats

LA Tech vs. North Texas box

LA Tech season stats

RUSTON -- Sophomore Haley Laque had not scored a single goal all season, but that changed on Friday night as the defender converted a penalty kick in the second half to give Louisiana Tech a 1-0 upset win over North Texas at the Lady Techster Soccer Complex.

Just like last year in the regular season finale, LA Tech (12-7-1) pulled off a shutout victory at home to qualify for the Conference USA Tournament which will be held this year in Miami, Florida.

"The enormity of this win cannot be underestimated," head coach Kevin Sherry said. "It is the greatest result in the programs 11 year history. The application and focus of the team was immense and the atmosphere was electric. I am so happy for the seniors. What a memory to take with you on your last game on your home field."

North Texas (16-3-1, 8-1-1 C-USA) came in having already clinched the league title and showed its power right out of the gates with star striker Rachel Holden putting a shot on goal in the first minute, but Kylee Seto scooped it up for the save.

From there, the seven seniors who started, as well as the rest of the squad, settled in and went toe to toe with the Mean Green who came in with a nine-match unbeaten streak.

The Lady Techsters ended up holding a 7-6 shooting advantage in the first period, but none were on goal as the match went scoreless at halftime.

Both teams continued to play chess with each one subbing very freely.

Holding firm with the offensive strategy, LA Tech kept delivering long balls into its attacking third, and was unsuccessful, until Kathryn Sloan shifted into another gear and ran down a long ball which caught the marked defender off guard.

Sloan was taken down just inside the 18 and the head referee called a foul and awarded the Techsters a penalty kick.

Then in the 75th minute, Laque who had never taken a penalty kick in a match stepped up and boomed her shot with power and accuracy, planting it in the left corner to give the home team a 1-0 lead.

Coach Sherry then put nine players behind the ball to try to preserve the victory. North Texas was not able to get a shot off until the 85th minute when Karla Pineda sent a bullet of a shot from the top of the 18, but it shaved the outside of the left post.

The Mean Green would have three more shot attempts at an equalizer, but one went high and the other two were saved by Seto to notch LA Tech's first ever win over North Texas.

Seto was credited with seven saves while notching her 18th career shutout.

LA Tech now awaits the remaining C-USA games to determine who will be its opponent in the first round set for Nov. 4 at FIU Soccer Stadium.

For all the latest in LA Tech Soccer, follow them on Twitter (@LATechSOC), Instagram (@LouisianaTechSoccer) and Facebook (LATechSoccer) or visit the official website at LATechSports.com.