Patriots earn road tie at Campbell, 1-1

by Michael Hawkins

August 24, 2012

BUIES CREEK, NC – Francis Marion University received a first-half goal from sophomore Elizabeth Asare and then survived a last-minute flurry by Campbell University in overtime to earn a 1-1 tie, Friday evening (Aug. 24) in non-conference women’s soccer action.

Francis Marion, now 1-1-1, will play Alabama State University in the opening match of the Sleep Inn Classic next Friday at 5 p.m. on the campus of South Carolina State University. Campbell, the pre-season favorite to win the Big South Conference, moves to 1-0-1.

Asare’s unassisted score at 16:19 gave FMU a 1-0 advantage. The Patriot defense and freshman goalkeeper Taylor O’Berry made that stand up until the 85th minute when Campbell’s Ashley Clark scored on her own corner kick.

FMU nearly pulled out its second straight dramatic win, but sophomore Dominique Evans’ shot in the 86th minute hit the crossbar and junior Yasmin Bunter shot wide of the goal with 16 seconds left in regulation.

In the opening overtime period, O’Berry made a save in the 94th minute. FMU earned a corner kick in the 100th minute, taken by senior Kelly Kady, but Bunter’s subsequent shot was wide with seven ticks remaining.

Kady registered a shot-on-goal early in the second overtime session, but it was saved by Fighting Camels keeper Ryann Torrero. O’Berry returned the favor in the 107th minute with a save of her own on a shot by Clark.

Campbell had two opportunities to win in the final minute of the second extra period, but Clark hit the crossbar and Kristy Meyer shot wide on the rebound.

Campbell outshot the Patriots 24-9 and led in corner kicks 4-2. O’Berry tallied seven saves, while Torrero made two stops.

It was the second consecutive overtime contest for Francis Marion.