Southern Miss
UTSA
Bradley's Two Goals Lifts Soccer over UTSA
10/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- In a thrilling and record-breaking match at the Southern Miss Soccer Complex Friday evening, Kierstin Bradley scored two goals to lift the Golden Eagles soccer team over the UTSA Roadrunners, 2-1, in double overtime. Earning four saves in the game, goalkeeper Brittany Taylor broke the all-time career saves record for Southern Miss with 278.
The Golden Eagles (4-9-3, 2-5-0 C-USA) convincingly earned their second Conference USA victory of the year, outshooting UTSA 24-11.
The first goal was a result of the relentless, high-pressure offense of Southern Miss, who had seven shots in a span of just 15 minutes, including a missile from Mark Kate Smith that hit the crossbar.
From that same play, the Golden Eagles earned a corner kick and capitalized on the opportunity in the 24th minute. Smith's service was volleyed into the back of the net by Bradley. It was the third goal of the year for Bradley and Smith's second assist.
The Golden Eagles continued to dominate the first half, earning 12 shots total (six on goal) compared to the Roadrunners' four shots (two on goal).
Most of the second half action belonged to Southern Miss as well. The Golden Eagles pressed forward, creating opportunities and hitting the crossbar a second time with Stephanie Garcia's shot in the 68th minute.
The Roadrunners tied the game in the 84th minute when an unexpected 25-yard shot from Rebekah Kensing went just over the hands of keeper Taylor.
Southern Miss had a few more chances before the end of regular time but was unable to get a goal.
In overtime, the Golden Eagles and Roadrunners went back and forth, with each team earning four shots and continuing to play physical.
The final play of the match was certainly one to remember. Taylor nabbed her fourth save of the game in the 107th minute and distributed it to Breann Hedin. Hedin raced down the right side, and got a serve off from the endline. Bradley met the pass at the six-yard box and knocked it in one-touch for the game-winning goal with just 3:42 left on the clock.
The final save marked Taylor's 85th of the season, and the junior from Alberta, Canada now has the most career saves in Southern Miss history with 278th.
"With everything that happened last year with my injury, it feels awesome to come out here and play as hard as I can," Taylor said. "I couldn't have done it without everybody behind me and supporting me.
"It feels great to be finishing out the year strong at home, especially losing big to this team last year and winning a hard fought 2-1 game today. I'm just lucky to be healthy and playing the game here with the girls that I love."
The Southern Miss backline put on a very strong performance in front of Taylor, limiting the Roadrunners to eleven shots. Central defenders Ola Akinniyi and Ashton Stennis were especially tough, winning 50/50 balls and battling hard in the box.
Bradley also led the Golden Eagles in shots (six), followed by Somer Jones (four), and Smith and Garcia (three apiece). Bradley is now the Southern Miss leading goal scorer this season with four. With her game-winning cross, Hedin now leads the team in assists with three.
Southern Miss is back at home on Sunday for a match against UTEP at noon. The Golden Eagles will be celebrating defender Kay Kay Hypolite for Senior Day.
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