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UTEP 2, WKU 1 (OT)
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Ninety minutes wasn't enough time to decided Friday's Conference USA match between WKU and UTEP but Aleah Davis was able to net the golden goal for the Miners in the 97th minute to drop the Lady Toppers, 2-1 at the WKU Soccer Complex.
WKU (6-5, 1-3 C-USA) outshot UTEP (9-5-1, 3-2 C-USA) 14-13 and even drew first blood in the contest but Davis' header off Lauren Katada's corner kick with 3:43 left in overtime provided the winning margin for the Miners. Junior forward Angela Cutaia fired a free kick that was tip saved by WKU freshman goalkeeper Allison Leone to set up Katada's corner opportunity. Katada served a nice ball on the near post and Davis was able to rise over Lady Topper defenders and bury the ball into the right corner of the net for the winner.
The Lady Toppers struck first in the 32nd minute when freshman defender Nahyo Jalajel played a beautiful free kick into the left corner of UTEP's net from about 35 yards out. Jalajel's goal was the first of her career and WKU's seventh goal beyond the 18-yard box this season.
It didn't take long for the Miners to even the match up at 1-1 as Miner forward Margaret Hadley streaked behind the WKU backline and chipped Bri Thomas' through ball over Leone for the equalizer. From there the team's played nearly 60 minutes of scoreless action, including overtime, before Davis' header ended the game.
The Lady Toppers had plenty of chances to end the game in regulation after a strong second-half of possession, but UTEP goalkeeper Sarah Dilling made three of her four saves in the second frame to help force overtime.
Junior forward Lauren Moats and redshirt freshman defender Abbi Schopper provided WKU with its best looks in the second half. Schopper nearly netted a free kick from about 25 yards out in the 68th minute but her attempt sailed a foot over the crossbar. Moats took three shots and had a solid attempt on goal as regulation expired but UTEP's Dilling was there for the save.
The Lady Toppers finished with a 14-13 shot advantage and both teams had five chances on goal. Leone made three saves for WKU while Dilling finished with four for UTEP. The Miners had four corner kick opportunities, including the game-winner, compared to WKU's two.
The loss makes it three-straight for WKU as it has now dropped consecutive conference home matches for the first time since October 2005. The Lady Toppers aim to end their skid on Sunday as they host UTSA (5-7-1, 1-4 C-USA). First touch is set for 1 p.m. at the WKU Soccer Complex.
The 2014 WKU Soccer season is being presented by the United States Marines. This season The Marines and WKU Athletics are working together to promote the outstanding athletic and academic achievements of our female student athletes. The Marines are proud to work with and support these future leaders of America.
For more information on WKU Soccer, follow the program on Twitter at @WKU_Soccer or visit WKUSports.com.
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