Ryan, TCU knocked out by Virginia in NCAA Tournament quarterfinals

Yazmeen Ryan and the TCU Horned Frogs fell to the Virginia Cavaliers 1-0 in the NCAA Tournament quartefinals. Virginia will play the No. 1 Florida State Seminoles in the semifinals.

The Cavaliers had two great chances to take the lead early, but were unable to get a shot on goal both times. Virginia had the majority of possession throughout the first half. The Horned Frogs got forward sporadically, but were unable to create any clear-cut chances.

TCU struggled to play out the Cavaliers’ pressure and were forced to defend much more than the Horned Frogs are used to.

Virginia continued to dominate the ball at the start of the second half, but the Horned Frogs adjusted well. TCU was able to get on the ball more often and play through pressure better in part by dropping Ryan depper in midfield to help facilitate build up.

The Cavaliers took the lead in the 60th minute from a corner kick and a bullet header, creating a 1-0 deficit for TCU for the third straight match. The Horned Frogs responded with a spell of their own pressure.

Ryan smashed a left-footed shot off the crossbar from the above the 18-yard box in the 65th minute.

Ryan continued to try and orchestrate a comeback as the clock ticked toward full time. The Horned Forgs forced the Cavaliers to defend in their own half for much of the final 20 minutes.

With eight minutes remaining, Ryan picked the ball up in her own final third and went on a slaloming run before passing it to a teammate in front of goal. The shot was saved for a corner and the Horned Frogs’ last chance to equalize went begging.