LUBBOCK, Texas (October 9, 2021) – Lubbock Christian University started off Lone Star Conference play the right way, taking down No. 6 West Texas A&M 3-0 on Saturday at the LCU Soccer & Track Complex.
 
The Chap win over the Buffs was their first over a nationally-ranked opponent since Oct. 4, 2018, when they topped then-No. 23 WT 2-1 in overtime. LCU is now 4-4 on the year and starts off LSC play 1-0.
 
Lubbock Christian controlled the game pretty much from the start, taking the first shot on goal by either team in 11^th minute, but the attempt by Tomas Casas was saved. WT earned three corner kicks in a three-minute span around the 11:07 mark and put their first shot on goal at the 13:5 mark, but Braxton Thorne made the save.
 
Then, in the 21^st, the Chaparrals broke through. Juan Jose Valdez Lopez was played a ball in the LCU attacking third and was pulled down by Marshall Ball about 35 yards out from the goal, giving the Chaps a free kick. Luca Hollenstein took the free kick and capitalized, beating the Buff keeper low on the right side to give LCU the lead.
 
West Texas A&M tried to answer quickly, putting a shot on goal in the 23^rd minute, but it was against saved by Thorne. That attempt would be the Buffs' final shot on goal of the game, as Lubbock Christian became the first team to shut out West Texas A&M this season. The Buffs were averaging 2.75 goals per game and the two shots on goal were their fewest since last season's matchup against St. Mary's.
 
The Chaparrals doubled the lead just before halftime, thanks to Hector Rodriguez-Cabo. The senior defender took a ball out wide and then went down the end line around a WT defender, who tried to salvage the play and fouled him in the box. Rodriguez-Cabo took the ensuing penalty kick himself and converted for a 2-0 LCU lead.
 
WT switched goalkeepers for the second half, but Lubbock Christian continued to apply offensive pressure. Rodriguez-Cabo went for his second goal in the 58^th minute, but had it saved.
 
Tariq Bakkali used some fancy footwork to beat his defender in the 61^st minute and nearly added the third goal, but his shot bounced off the post.
 
Finally, in the 64^th minute, Lubbock Christian put the nail in the coffin thanks to another foul by West Texas A&M. Luciano Rodriguez drew the foul about 30 yards out, setting up a free kick. Fernando Flores took it and whipped in a cross that was intercepted by a WT defender, but the ball bounced out to Rodriguez who sent a sliding shot into the back of the net.
 
West Texas A&M earned four corner kicks throughout the remainder of the game, but never had any real scoring threat the rest of the way as the Chaps cruised to the upset win.
 
Lubbock Christian will now turn its attention toward Wednesday's matchup against Oklahoma Christian, which will be their first taste of Lone Star Conference road play in Oklahoma City.