Troy University Athletics
Longard Sets Record as Trojans Tie Middle Tennessee
10/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
TROY, Ala. - The Troy University soccer team was outshot 33-10, but managed to pull to a 1-1 double-overtime draw, thanks in part to 21 saves from junior goalkeeper Laura Longard. Longard's efforts set a new school mark for saves in a single game, eclipsing the old mark by one.
Neither team scored in the first half, and Rachel Holmes put the Blue Raiders (6-3-2, 0-1-2) on the board first when she scored off an assist from Caitlin Reeves in the 60th minute.
With just 2:56 left on the clock, Middle Tennessee was whistled for a foul. Troy's (4-6-1, 2-3-1) Megan Matthews set up for the free kick at 35 yards out, and she connected with Troy's Lynn Rankin inside the box, and Rankin was able to score.
Middle Tennessee took seven shots, six on goal in the overtime periods, but Longard recorded six saves to clinch the draw. Troy, on the other hand, managed just two shots in the extra periods, none coming on goal.
It was a very physical match, with the teams combining for 34 fouls, 18 for Middle Tennesse and 16 for Troy. Middle Tennessee's Rebecca Rodriguez and Holly Grogan were each given yellow cards, as was Troy's Julie Peratt.
This is a good result for us,” Troy head coach Diana Niland said. Of course you'd rather get a win, but to get a tie out of this game is good. I'm proud of the way this team played and how they never quit.”
This was Troy's first overtime match of the season, as well as the team's first draw.
The Trojans return to action on Friday when they host Sun Belt and in-state rival South Alabama at 3 p.m.
