CANYON, Texas (October 22, 2025) — Lubbock Christian came from behind and defeated West Texas A&M 2-1 on Wednesday at The Pitch at Buffalo Sports Park.
After a scoreless first half, Lubbock Christian's offense broke through with two goals in the final 30 minutes of play, including getting the game-winner from
Francisco Horta in the 65th minute. West Texas A&M managed to score once but could not overcome the deficit after LCU's two unanswered goals.
Lubbock Christian improved to 5-6-3 overall and 4-1-2 in conference play. West Texas A&M moved to 5-6-1 overall and 2-3-1 in conference play.
Francisco Horta converted his only shot on goal into the game-winner in a game that was tight on chances. The Chaps managed five total attempts on target and held the Buffs to only two.
Geoffroy Letienne added a goal to his tally, converting his only shot to contribute to the team's efforts.
Connor Pettigrew made one save while facing ten shots, securing the win in goal.
The opening period began with the Chaparrals initiating offensive pressure, marked by an early shot from
Jack Brassey at the 6:21 mark. Despite multiple attempts, including shots from
Manu Nunez and
Kade McKinzie, the visiting team could not find the back of the net, with West Texas A&M's goalkeeper Bryce Cottle making crucial saves to keep the score level.
As the period progressed, the Chaps maintained their offensive push, with
Augusto Militao and
Andrea Monticelli also forcing defensive actions from the home team. The period concluded without a breakthrough for either side, sending them to the break with the score level.
LCU found themselves behind 13 minutes into the second half after a goal by Ziv Shlimak. However, the Chaps quickly responded when Letienne converted a penalty kick after a handball in the box, leveling the score.
The score was tied for exactly two minutes and 15 seconds before Horta found the back of the net, shooting across the mouth of the goal and ricocheting the ball in off the back post to give Lubbock Christian the lead at 2-1.
Despite several attempts by WT to equalize, including a notable save by Pettigrew, Lubbock Christian maintained their strong defense in the game's final 20 minutes. The period closed with the Chaps holding onto their 2-1 lead.
GAME NOTES:
- Letienne's equalizer in the 61st minute was his first goal of the season. His last score for LCU was on Oct. 9, 2024, against Texas A&M International.
- The senior's goal was also just the second penalty kick by the Lady Chaps this season. The first came on their very first goal of the season on Sept. 4 vs. Fort Lewis and was converted by
Pedro Lucas.
- Lubbock Christian now has 14 points in the Lone Star Conference standings. They are technically second, but would be the one seed in the league's postseason tourney if the season ended today, because the league-leader, UT Dallas, is ineligible for postseason play.
- Horta's goal was his fourth of the season, giving him the team lead and making him ninth in the LSC in that category.
- LCU is allowing just 0.92 goals per game this season, which is the second-best mark in the Lone Star Conference.
NEXT UP:
LCU has its final two home games of the regular season coming up, starting with a matchup against Dallas Baptist at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the LCU Soccer & Track Complex.
