A defensive battle to be sure. TCU really but the pressure on the final 15-20 minutes and there were a few dicey moments. But overall, A&M was the better team.
Harvey, Malherbe and Harryman were standouts. Harvey seemed her old self, playing without her leg wrapped for the first time I can remember. She set up the goal with a brilliant through ball that I believe Pounds crossed for the Malherbe finish. Harvey was all over, taking her usual physical punishment and working back hard on defense, as well as patrolling the midfield.
We had little in the way of offensive firepower, as noted only one shot on goal.. There were a few shots that were nowhere near frame. However, I only recall TCU serving up anything really dangerous twice. A&M only earned one corner kick all night and it was launched behind the goal, so a wasted opportunity. Outside backs continue to struggle with aimless long balls, launched to nobody, nowhere.
Bates looked good but was closely marked and fouled a few times when she became dangerous. The ref was not great, which is not new.
Our midfield can compete with USC if they play at least to the level they did last night. When I say midfield I am referring to Harvey, Malherbe and Pounds. We lack scoring, which will become even more difficult against an outstanding SC defense that boasts the Pac 12 Goalkeeper of the Year, and three All Pac 12 performers who are defenders. We've seen that this team can compete against ANYBODY, so I expect it to be an exciting match next Friday!