University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss
.png&width=60&height=60&type=webp)
UTEP
Soccer Falls on Senior Day in Double Overtime
10/18/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- The Southern Miss women's soccer team fought hard to overcome a two-goal deficit but ultimately fell to UTEP, 3-2, in the second period of overtime on Sunday. It was the second double overtime match this weekend for the Golden Eagles, who defeated UTSA 2-1 on Friday.
Freshman dynamic duo Mary Kate Smith and Kierstin Bradley each scored a goal in the second half to force the game into overtime.
Despite outshooting the Miners eight to three in the first 45 minutes, the Golden Eagles were down by a goal at halftime. In the 23rd minute, UTEP quickly counterattacked the Southern Miss defense, resulting in a goal by Angela Cutaia. Kennadie Chaudhary and Bri Thomas had the assists.
Southern Miss came out in the second half looking for an equalizer. They had another setback in the 60th minute, when UTEP's Aleah Davis converted a near post header off a corner kick from Carleigh Simmons for a goal.
The Golden Eagles finally retaliated in the 74th minute. Ola Akinniyi, who moved from her usual center back position to striker, beat the defense to the end line and served the ball to Smith, who smashed it into the back of the net from 12 yards out.
The goal was Smith's second of the season, while Akinniyi earned her first assist.
Southern Miss continued to put UTEP on their heels. Just two minutes after getting on the board, the Golden Eagles scored again when Bradley scrambled to win the rebound off her initial shot that was saved, and then slid to knock it into the far post past the keeper.
The equalizer was Bradley's fifth goal of the season, and third of the weekend. Bradley scored both goals on Friday to lift the Golden Eagles over UTSA. The freshman from Sanger, Texas also scored the game-winner against Charlotte on Friday, Oct. 2.
Overtime was a back and forth battle with both teams earning two corner kick opportunities in the first ten minutes. However, UTEP clinched the win in the second overtime. Thomas received a pass from Cutaia, turned at the top of the box, and struck the ball past goalkeeper Brittany Taylor in the 103th minute to end the game.
The Golden Eagles ended the match with 21 shots (10 on goal) compared to UTEP's 16 (eight on goal). Smith and Bradley led the charge with six shots and five shots, respectively. Taylor made five saves in the match, bringing her season total to 90.
On Friday, Oct. 23, the Golden Eagles are back at the Southern Miss Soccer Complex for their last home game of the 2015 season. The squad takes on North Texas at 3:00 p.m.
