ODU 2, WKU 1 (PDF)
NORFOLK, Va. - WKU Soccer drew first blood in their fifth-straight road match at Old Dominion on Friday night but the Monarchs were able to claw back, force overtime and eventually knock off the Lady Toppers, 2-1 in the second overtime period with a golden goal header from Madison Hogan at the ODU Soccer Complex.
The Monarchs' (3-6-2, 2-1) attack pushed its way down to WKU (6-3, 1-1) territory less than two minutes into the second overtime and created their eighth corner kick opportunity in the 102nd minute. Devin Dougherty served her corner in a good spot for Hogan, who won the ball in a crowd of Lady Toppers and buried it for the game-winner.
The overtime loss marked WKU's first defeat in extra time since falling 2-1 to FIU on Sept. 30, 2012. The Lady Toppers had been 2-0-5 in their previous seven overtime contests. The loss also snapped WKU's three-game winning streak.
WKU junior forward Lauren Moats scored her fifth goal of the season in the 35th minute to give WKU a 1-0 lead less than 10 minutes after subbing into the game for the first time. Moats' score was set up by sophomore forward Kelly Phipps', who centered the ball into the box for Moats to poke past ODU goalkeeper Erin Kinz.
The goal was Moats' 15th of her career, moving her into eighth place all-time in WKU history. Phipps' assist was the third of her career, with all three dishes resulting in goals by Moats.
With a 1-0 cushion at the half, WKU had to face a relentless Old Dominion attack that came out firing from the get-go in the second period. The Monarchs fired off three-consecutive shots in one attacking sequence early in the second, but WKU goalkeeper Allison Leone made a pair of saves and received some help from her Lady Topper defense.
ODU's Kinz was ejected in the 51st minute of the contest, giving WKU a one-man advantage for the remainder of the match. The Monarchs were the ones who capitalized, however, finding the net six minutes later with a goal from Grace Haverly.
Despite being a man up the Lady Toppers couldn't generate many opportunities, firing just two shots in the remainder of the second period. Freshman Nahyo Jalajel had the best look on a free kick in the 87th minute, but ODU's backup keeper Meredith Lenox was there for the save.
Freshman midfielder Hannah Chua, who played every minute for the Lady Tops, fired WKU's lone overtime shot. Old Dominion finished the game with a 20-8 shot advantage and 8-2 corner kick lead.
Leone made eight saves in goal for WKU but 10 of ODU's 20 shots were on goal and two snuck past the rookie, who entered the game leading the C-USA in save percentage.
The Lady Toppers will return home Sunday for the first time since Sept. 7 on Sunday when they welcome preseason Conference USA favorite Charlotte (4-5-1, 1-2) to the WKU Soccer Complex. The 49ers are also coming off an overtime loss, as they fell to Marshall in extra time Friday night. Sunday's first touch is set for 1 p.m. (CT).
Fans that attend Saturday's WKU Football game against UAB at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium can receive free admission to the soccer match versus Charlotte on Sunday by presenting a football ticket stub at the soccer ticket gate. The first 100 fans to the match will receive a free Conference USA inaugural season t-shirt.
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.
