LUBBOCK, Texas (October 25, 2025) — Lubbock Christian scored both early and late, holding off a frantic push from DBU to win 2-1 on Saturday at the LCU Soccer & Track Complex. 

The Chaparrals opened the scoring in the first half and secured the game with a decisive second-half goal. DBU responded with a goal in the second half but could not equalize. The Chaps' defense held strong, with their goalkeeper making four crucial saves.

Lubbock Christian stands at 6-6-3 overall and holds a 5-1-2 record in conference play. DBU is now 5-6-3 overall with a 2-4-2 conference record.

Francisco Horta scored once and led the Chaparrals with four shots, including two on goal, and provided the game-winning goal. Connor Pettigrew played a crucial role in goal, recording four saves over 90 minutes while facing 11 shots. Manu Nunez contributed with one assist and took five shots, two of which were on target. Kade McKinzie added a goal from his single shot attempt, which was on target.

The first half began with Lubbock Christian establishing early momentum. Kade McKinzie found the back of the net in the 16th minute, assisted by Andrea Monticelli, to put the Chaps ahead 1-0. The Chaparrals maintained offensive pressure, with multiple shots from Manu Nunez and Ty Gibbs, although they did not increase the lead.

LCU's defense held firm, with Pettigrew making a crucial save on a shot by Lucas Tauzin in the 33rd minute. Despite a late free kick attempt by DBU's Bryan Beck hitting the woodwork, the Chaps went into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.

The second half commenced with the Chaparrals maintaining pressure but neither team able to break through. Horta doubled the Chap lead with a spectacular goal in the 81st minute after an excellent pass from Nunez, extending the lead to 2-0. 

Although the goal seemed to give the Chaps some breathing room, it didn't last long. DBU quickly responded with a goal by Bryan Beck, cutting the deficit to 2-1. 

Despite DBU's efforts to equalize, including a late save by Connor Pettigrew, the Chaps closed the half with a 2-1 advantage, securing the win.

GAME NOTES: 
- The Chaparrals have won three straight games for the first time since the 2022 season when captured three consecutive victories from Oct. 12-19.
- Francisco Horta netted the game-winning goal for the second time this season, and the eighth time in his collegiate career.
- The Chaps now have 17 points in the league standings and will get through the weekend in sole possession of second place, even though two league games still have to be played on Sunday.
- Three of Pettigrew's four saves came in the final 20 minutes of the match to hold off DBU's late push. He now has 54 on the season, which leads the LSC.
- The Chaparrals are now 4-1-0 this season when they score first.

NEXT UP: 
Lubbock Christian will play its final home game of the regular season on Wednesday, facing a tough test as they host Midwestern State at 7 p.m. at the LCU Soccer & Track Complex.