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ABILENE, Texas --- The # 6 seeded Concordia University Texas women's soccer team battled # 3 Texas-Dallas to a 0-0 tie after regulation Friday, but were handed a heartbreaking 4-3 loss on penalty kicks in opening round action of the American Southwest Conference Tournament. The Tornados finish its 2010 season with a 10-6-3 record, the best mark in CTX history.

The speculation at the tourney was that the opening round match-up between Concordia and Texas-Dallas (12-5-3) would come down to the final minutes of play, and that was just the case as the game delivered two very evenly matched squads. Coming into the game CTX and UTD recorded a combined 16 shutouts between the two teams, making every scoring opportunity very precious.

The match developed slowly as both teams took their time in advancing the ball up the field. Concordia's Kiera Ruck nearly delivered an early CTX lead, as the junior struck a dangerous shot from the left box that was saved by UTD keeper Andrea Jones. Ruck would attempt another shot on goal in the 34th minute only to see Jones make another well executed save. 

It wasn't long before Texas-Dallas started to apply some pressure on the CTX defense as the Comets recorded two back-to-back shots that were saved by Tyler Steinbach. The Tornados managed three shots in the first-half while Texas-Dallas would fire six of their own, as the score remained in a 0-0 deadlock heading into the second period.

It was apparent in the first few minutes of half that both teams wanted to play with much more aggression, as the pace and physicality of the game increased dramatically. Axita Patel, who notched a goal in the last matchup between these two teams, fired a shot in the 50th minute that was unable to get past the sure hands of Andrea Jones. Steinbach proved she too was more than capable of making the big save by rejecting five UTD shots in the second period.

Amanda Tarpley and Kiera Ruck both received chances to collect the game-winner, but came up short as regulation would expire in the 0-0 game. In the first overtime it was Tarpley again who snuck past the UTD defense, only to see Jones make her sixth save of the game for the Comets.

After a slow second overtime session the match would move on to the all important penalty kick shootout. For a young CTX team it was the first time many of these players had experienced the pressure this scenario presents. Once again the Tornados proved to be more than capable however, as Amanda Tarpley delivered an easy goal with CTX's first kick.

After a UTD miss freshman Chastity Carrillo beat Jones to give CTX a 2-0 advantage. The Comets would find the back of the net on their next kick before Axita Patel came up empty-handed, making it 2-1 Concordia. After a Texas-Dallas goal Jones managed to stop her second pk shot evening up the score.

The Comets would mount another goal giving the Comets a 3-2 advantage after four rounds of kicks. Kiera Ruck gave CTX some momentum by finding the back corner of the net with to force the pressure back towards UTD. With the session now tied at three Emily Hokanson struck a well-placed ball to the upper 90 that beat Steinbach and delivered the Comets with a 4-3 penalty kick decision.

CTX recorded 13 shots on the day (seven on goal) with Ruck and Tarpley each collecting four shots. The Concordia defense delivered its ninth shutout of the year thanks to a gritty Tornado back-line that limited UTD to ten shots on goal.

"Penalty kicks are a tough way to lose. We had an awesome season, and we played well today. It's been an unbelievable run and I'm really proud of this team" commented head coach Corey Holton after the match.

The 2010 season was one that most people outside the CTX program never saw coming. The Tornados exceeded all preseason expectations finishing sixth in the ASC and doubling the program wins record (10) from a year ago. CTX came into the season picked 10th in the ASC Preseason Poll with only five returning starters from last year's 5-9-3 club. Thanks to the direction from head coach Corey Holton and assistant Alex Dixon, the Tornados have established a visible new culture built upon excellence, in a program with a longtime history of mediocrity.

The impact the Tornados have made this year is evident from the feelings of all those involved within the team as senior captain Lya Morfitt offered these words after the match. "Today reflected perfectly how prepared and ready we were for the tournament. We played all 120 minutes with our hearts and never let up. I know that we left the field with no regrets. I am extremely honored to have ended my soccer career with such an amazing team!"

Its hard not to root for a team that plays the game with such devotion and energy. Even more inspiring is when you see young student-athletes take that same approach into their efforts in the classroom and with the positive work they do in the community. Hats off to the CTX women for an amazing season, and a sincere thank-you for showing the world of collegiate athletics how character can perfectly integrate with on the field success!