The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
5-1-1, 0-0-0
TCU
3-2-1, 0-0-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| TCU | 0 | 0 | 0 |
McDonald lifts Soccer to 1-0 victory at No. 19/14 TCU
09.06.2026 | Soccer
Longhorns notch first ranked win under Margueritte Bates
FORT WORTH, Texas — Ava McDonald found the back of the net for the second straight match, propelling Texas to a 1-0 victory over No. 19/14 TCU at Garvey-Rosenthal Soccer Stadium on Sunday evening.
With the result, the Longhorns (5-1-1) secured their first ranked win under head coach Margueritte Bates.
McDonald delivered the decisive strike in the 68th minute, driving home a rocket from the top of the box. Off of a corner kick, the sophomore smashed a dart into the upper-right corner of the cage, sending the visitors into a frenzy.
Despite the breakthrough moment coming midway through the second half, Texas put the Horned Frogs (3-2-1) under duress all night. The Longhorns outshot the 2025 College Cup semifinalists, 17-6, including 10-4 advantage in shots on goal.
Texas mounted multiple chances in the opening frame, with its best three first-half opportunities coming across the final 15 minutes before the break.
In the 31st minute, Amalia Villarreal tight-roped the end line, weaving her way into the box. Villarreal dished a pass to her left to set up Addie Brink from six yards away, but TCU goalkeeper Olivia Geller denied the point-blank attempt.
Less than six minutes later, McDonald sent a low service toward the penalty spot, as Callan Harrington raced free from the Horned Frogs' defense. Geller came off her line to push Harrington wide before her shot was blocked to alleviate the threat.
With less than 75 seconds remaining in the half, Villarreal bolted past the backline and marched into the box. The junior played a little chip shot on target with Geller closing the angle. The TCU netminder leaped and tapped the ball above the bar to keep the contest scoreless heading into the intermission.
Coming out of the break, McDonald and Audrey Bryant both forced Geller to make key stops in the 61st and 63rd minutes, respectively, building toward the game-winning tally moments later.
Texas goalie Bayliss Flynn posted four saves in the victory, guiding the Longhorns to their fifth clean sheets in seven matches.
Up next, Texas begins Southeastern Conference play at Arkansas on Thursday. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. at Razorback Field.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
Ava McDonald (2)
GOAL by TEX McDonald, Ava.
67:25
