Troy Claims Victory in Exciting Comeback Against JSU

Sunday, September 18

Troy, AL

1:00 p.m.

Troy University

Jacksonville State University

Photo by: Edward Fieder

Troy Claims Victory in Exciting Comeback Against JSU

9/18/2011 3:56:00 PM | Soccer

Trojan soccer defeats Jacksonville State 3-2 in the final seconds.

By: Ben Maxwell

TROY, Ala. – Troy soccer knocked off in-state rival Jacksonville State in an exciting 3-2 come from behind victory at home on Sunday.

The Trojans (5-3-1) trailed the Gamecocks (1-9) nearly the entire match after giving up an early goal to Jacksonville State's midfielder Nathalee Lariviere in the 3'. The goal sent the Trojans into half down 1-0.

Troy continued to struggle into the second half as Gamecock forward Chelsea Pelletier added another goal to the Jacksonville State lead in the 50'.

However, it was sophomore Maddie Tieken with an aggressive drive into the opposing corner and sending a cross to the freshman Chelsey Williams who netted the pass in the 63' to get the Trojan attack back on track.

Trojan Nikki Stamaris recorded the match tying goal in the 82' to equal the game at 2-2.

As time ran down the Trojans pushed their efforts even harder as they rushed to play in a throw-in on the opposing third with less than a minute remaining in regular play. Junior Ruth Sutcliffe received the ball and attempted to drive towards the goal. With the clock ticking under ten seconds Sutcliffe battled heavy defensive pressure to fire off a shot from a difficult angle that streamed past the keeper into the net on the far post to win the match. The goal was Sutcliffe's third of the season.

“We really showed a lot of character today getting down 2-0 and clawing our way back,” said head coach Chris Bentley. “The last 10 minutes of the game was an incredible team effort coupled with individual brilliance. We found a way to win today in a time where most teams wouldn't and that experience is invaluable.”

The Trojans would go on beat the Gamecocks 3-2. Troy now turns their attention towards conference play.

Troy will kick off their Sun Belt conference schedule against ULM on Friday September 23 at home at 3 pm. Follow TroyTrojans.com for all the latest news on all Troy sports action and follow us on Twitter: @TroyAthletics.