Lady Bisons battle to 2-2 draw

by Ryan Hilgemann
August 31, 2012

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Stepping on their own turf for the first time in two weeks, the Lipscomb women’s soccer team (2-2-1, 0-0-0 ASUN) drew a 2-2 draw with Chattanooga (1-2-1, 0-0-0 SoCon) on Friday night at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.

“I am very proud of the way our girls competed tonight,” Lipscomb head coach Kevin O’Brien said. “Chattanooga was so physical it made it very hard for us to get in any real attacking rhythm.”

The 521 fans in attendance saw the two teams combine for 33 shots, 37 fouls and four yellow cards in 110 minutes of play.

The Lady Bisons jumped on the scoreboard early with a second minute goal. Freshman Karli Crosby made a cross from the goal line that looked headed for the opposite sideline. However, freshman Molly Bray knew it was headed for her all along, punching the ball into the back of the net for her second goal on the season.

The Mocs tied the score with a 26th minute goal as Logan Higgans picked up a loose ball in the front of the six-yard box and beat the LU defense to net the goal.

Not to be outdone, Baylee Linnell took the ensuing kick-off right to the goal to give the Lady Bisons the lead back at 2-1 just 19 seconds later.

The 31st minute featured the fourth goal of the first half. Hannah Wyatt used a corner kick to make a cross to Becca Smith who used her head to knot the game at 2-2.

After playing an even first half, Chattanooga controlled the second half outshooting the Lady Bisons 7-2.

However, it was LU who had the opportunity to not only take the lead but take the victory in the closing seconds of regulation. Freshman Caroline Chadwell took a free kick 35 yards out with just 15 ticks left on the clock. Chattanooga goalkeeper Lauren Thomas made the save preserving the 2-2 tie.

The overtime periods featured back and forth action on the pitch with each squad getting chances on goal, however to no avail.

In the end, Chattanooga outshot the Lady Bisons 18-15, with the two squads taking an even six strikes on goal. Senior goalkeeper Erin Zerio stopped four shots that came her way with her counterpart Thomas making an equal number of saves.

“If it were not for some fantastic goalkeeping and stellar defending by their number 3 ( Kerbi Towry) I think we win that game by multiple goals,” O’Brien said. “I’m especially proud of the way we finished the game. I thought that in both overtimes we were the stronger more aggressive team”

The Lady Bisons remain at home with a 7 p.m. contest on Thursday, Sept. 6, against Trevecca at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.

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