The University of New Haven women’s soccer team (3-0-2) went into double overtime against ninth ranked Assumption (2-0-2), which concluded in a 1-1 draw.
Both teams remain unbeaten to the start of their 2013 campaign, while New Haven moved to a (1-0-1) standing in the Northeast-10 conference.The Chargers opened up the scoring within the first four minutes of the game by a goal from New Haven’s Amber Simms, assisted by Monica Yanez. The tempo was high from the get go, as New Haven took control of most of the possession for the opening 15 minutes of the game. The Greyhounds found their footing near the end of the first half, and forced more than a few saves from New Haven’s goalkeeper, Natasha Purchla. Assumption players were finally able to grab an equalizing goal three minutes from halftime from their own Andrea Bates.
The second half took off right away when New Haven’s, Amber Simms, broke through the defense and shot straight at the Greyhounds goalkeeper, Rachel Edgin, who was able to make the save. New Haven had even more chances from the constant pressure Courtney Marra was providing all game from just outside the box. She had full range to dribble along the sideline just barely keeping the ball in bounce to send in multiple crosses for the majority of the game.
Five minutes from the end of regulation time, the Chargers had one of the best chances to take the lead off a corner when Assumption goalkeeper missed clearing the ball away. The ball just teased New Haven’s Marisa Garcia, who was ready to strike before one of the greyhound players near the goal managed to kick the ball long down the field.
After the first 90 minutes had resulted in a 1-1 result, the game went into overtime. Overtime is settled in a golden goal style in which the first team to score wins. There are two overtime periods, each 10 minutes long with a two-minute break in between.
The Blue side was closest to scoring, just grazing the ball inches away from the post. The New Haven side had the best attempts at a goal off of multiple corners, but was unable to find the goal. Ultimately both teams had to settle with a tie to end the game. New Haven’s Natasha Purchla, made a record high 14 saves to help preserve their unbeaten streak.
The Chargers head to Bentley College for another NE-10 match up.