Huskers Drop First Round of 2009 Big 12 Championship

San Antonio - The Nebraska soccer team gave up two first-half goals and could not overcome the deficit against a tough Oklahoma State squad, as the Huskers dropped the first round of the 2009 Big 12 Championship on Wednesday in San Antonio, 3-0.

Nebraska outshot Oklahoma State, 14-10, including five from senior Shay Powell. Shots on goal were even at five apiece.

The Huskers had their first scoring opportunity five minutes into the game, but a pass from sophomore Molly Thomas into the box was broken up by Franch. The Cowgirls scored the game-winner in the 11th minutes when Kasey Langdon sent a pass into the 18-yard box from the sideline, which Annika Niemeier controlled and shot into the left side of the net.

Katie Richardson extended the OSU lead to 2-0 with eight minutes remaining in the first half, dribbling into the box and connecting off the far post from 10 yards away.

Powell nearly put the Huskers on the board at the beginning of the second half, but her backwards header was snagged at the top of the goal by Cowgirl goalkeeper Adrianna Franch. Another chance with 10 minutes remaining slid off the right post, as Nebraska would go on to be held scoreless for just the third time this season.

Powell helped the Huskers to four corner kick opportunities, but Nebraska was unable to convert against an Oklahoma State defense that has produced five shutouts in the past six games.

Nebraska is 11-5-4 with a 5-4-2 record in Big 12 play. The field for the 2009 NCAA Tournament will be announced on Monday.