It took the Shepherd women’s soccer team two overtimes to tie 2-2 the defending Mountain East Conference champs Notre Dame College on Saturday, Sept. 30, in Shepherdstown.
The Rams displayed a strong performance against a tough opponent Saturday, as it was their first time ever scoring on Notre Dame College.
In the beginning of the game, Shepherd’s defense was put to the test as the Falcons had a corner kick in the 3:12 mark that was unsuccessful, and a minute later had a shot on goal but was saved by junior goalkeeper Christi LaBella.
In the first half the Rams took only three shots and two on goal, while the Falcons took a total of five shots on goal, all saved by LaBella.
In the start of the second half the Rams would strike first in the 49:44 minute, freshman Katherine Eddy drew first blood, assisted by senior Samantha Leonard. After the score by Eddy, the Falcons fought back creating offensive opportunities of their own, and in the 56:32 mark, Lauren Chaney would tie the game 1-1. Just two minutes later substitute Napier Ramsey of the Falcons, beats the Rams defenders and nets one passed LaBella, making the score 2-1.
The Rams kept their composure, controlling the ball better, and keeping it away from the pestering Notre Dame attack. In the 67th minute, senior Danielle Fernandez got fouled in the box, giving the Rams a penalty kick as the senior Fernandez kicked it past the keeper for the Falcons, tieing the game at 2-2. The Rams celebrated the goal circling up around Fernandez, as head Coach Jonathan Thayil cheered from the sideline.
For the rest of the second half both teams looked anxious to score another goal but would not be able to as time expires.
In both overtimes the Rams would only take two shots, by senior Leonard that sailed high over the post, in the first overtime, and the second one was saved by goalkeeper Abigail Quesnelle. The Rams did a great job defensively in overtime shutting down Notre Dame’s offense.
Justin Cole is a Sports Writer for the Picket.
He can be reached at jcole07@rams.shepherd.edu