RUSTON – For only the second time this season, the Louisiana Tech soccer team could not put one into the back of the net as the Lady Techsters fell, 1-0, to North Texas on Friday night at the Soccer and Track and Field Stadium.
 
Facing the eight-time Conference USA champions, LA Tech (8-4, 1-2 C-USA) generated a handful of scoring opportunities in both halves without any result.  Meanwhile, North Texas (5-0, 2-0 C-USA) netted a goal in the first half that was enough to remain undefeated.  
 
"North Texas is always a difficult place to go to and they have gone undefeated at home for so long," said head coach Kevin Sherry.  "Their starting XI controlled the opening phases of the game with their speed.  We stood tall and stayed in the game, causing problems late.  Sadly, we just ran out of time.  We put up a great fight."
 
The first chance for the Lady Techsters came in the 14th minute when a long by Sophie Fijneman found a charging Amber Posthauer who broke away and sent a shot from 30 yards out.  The keeper had come off her line, but the ball narrowly went over the crossbar.
 
Then in the 25th minute, Anna Loftus took a free kick from about the same distance, but her bending shot at goal was snatched out of the air by the keeper.
 
On the other end, the defense was keeping the Mean Green at bay.  It was not until the 35th minute when Allie Byrd raced down the ball inside the 18 and with a defender on her hip, made a slicing one-touch shot that snuck past the sliding keeper.  
 
The match would stay 1-0 at halftime and throughout the second period.  LA Tech was close to equalizing though in the 74th minute when Elizabeth Doll dropped off a through ball to Fijneman who fired a left-footed shot at net, but the keeper made the diving save.
 
The Lady Techsters finished with eight shots, including two apiece by Maci Geltmeier and Posthauer.  Eight players went the distance, including Maggie Boston in net who recorded a career-high seven saves.
 
LA Tech returns home for two matches next weekend, starting with a C-USA battle with Rice on Friday, March 19.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at the Ruston Sports Complex.
 
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