Troy University Athletics
Troy University
Evansville
Troy Falls in Unfortunate Conditions
9/19/2009 1:45:00โฏAM | Soccer
TROY, Ala. - The Trojans fell to Evansville after uncanny conditions occurred throughout the match Friday afternoon.
Troy (4-3-1) battled rain, lightning and darkness in their match against Evansville (2-6-1) that ended in a 2-1 overtime loss.
Throughout the soggy conditions, Troy controlled a majority of the game with 21 shots, but was unable to capitalize on their multiple opportunities.
Evansville found the back of the net first after a foul on the Trojans sparked the goal situation. Katelyn Smith drilled a shot past keeper Ashley Branham in the 31st minute for the lead that Evansville was able to maintain into halftime.
The Trojans found themselves in a situation to tie the match after a Bridget Duke shot was deflected. The match was tied when sophomore Mandy Miley capitalized on the open net opportunity sneaking the ball across the line in the 66th minute for the 1-1 tie.
As the lightning began to strike early in the second half, the game was put on a 45-minute standstill, that sent the teams into the locker rooms.
After the delay, the Trojans
came out and created many goal scoring opportunities, but Evansville keeper Chaviel Harrison protected the net, racking up seven second half saves. She finished with 10 total.
Sophomore Mary Morris found herself in a 1-v-1 opportunity with Harrison, but was unable to put the ball between the posts.
At the end of regulation, the sun had faded beyond the horizon as Troy faced their third overtime challenge in three games.
Both teams failed to score in the first overtime, but seconds into the second
overtime, a Purple Ace shot pinged off the post and found the foot of a
Troy player. The ball then trickled into the net leaving the Trojans and fans stunned with game-ending own goal.
Troy coach Chris Bentley said he was not disappointed with the outcome.
"It was a bit unlikely in the end to be in an own goal situation, but the ball just didn't roll our way," he said.
Duke topped the shot chart with six shots on the afternoon, followed by Morris and freshman Nikki Stamaris with three shots. Senior Laura Hopson also recorded two shots.
Branham made six saves
in the loss, raising her total to 39 for the season.
"I am excited about this game," Bentley said. "I think it is the best soccer we have played so far this year, and I think we are ready to face the conference.
The Trojans begin conference
action when they travel to Little Rock to face the UALR on September 25.
