CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Grace Haverly goal with just 22 seconds remaining in regulation sent the match into overtime, where No. 1 seeded North Texas (15-4-1, 9-1-0 C-USA) would score less than two minutes in to defeat the No. 8 seeded Old Dominion women’s soccer team (7-12-0, 5-5-0 C-USA) by a 2-1 score in the Quarterfinals of the 2016 Conference USA Tournament at Transamerica Field on the campus of Charlotte.
"Despite the result, I am immensely proud of our players,” said ODU head coach Angie Hind. “They handled what was a difficult game with class and gave everything they had. I felt we had a good first half and managed to play at times, creating a few good opportunities. In the second half, they put pressure on us and probably deserved to take the lead. But wow, what character we showed to level the game with only seconds remaining; that's the sign of real character and indicative of our mentality today. It was a fantastic cross from Maddison Hogan and incredible header from Grace Haverly. That was real heart with quality.”
Haverly’s goal off a header with 22 seconds remaining in regulation from a Madison Hogan assist forced overtime via a 1-1 score. The goal was Haverly’s first of the season, while the assist was Hogan’s second this year.
Less than two minutes into the first overtime session, NT’s Hailey Sutton found Rachel Holden, who scored the match’s golden-goal to lift the Mean Green into the Semifinals. The goal was Holden’s team-leading 10th of the season. NT has now won six matches in a row.
“While disappointed our season is over, I am immensely proud of this group of players and our staff,” Hind continued. “We have made the tournament two years running now and clearly know what it takes to make the next step. Special appreciation must go to our three seniors (Thyla Petersen, Kathryn Hill and Grace Haverly) on the field today, this was their last game in ODU colors and we thank them for everything they have given to the team.”
The Lady Monarchs held possession and stayed on the attack for a good portion of the first half; however, despite three shots from each squad, the score at halftime would remain 0-0. Each keeper was credited with one save in the opening 45 minutes.
It was Anna Flobeck of North Texas who scored NT’s goal in the 83rd minute off a put-back to give the Mean Green a 1-0 lead. The goal was Flobeck’s fifth of the season and snapped ODU’s 320 minutes of not allowing a goal.
For the match, North Texas held advantages in shots (12-6) and corners (4-0).
For the latest information regarding the tournament, please check out: C-USA TOURNAMENT CENTRAL.
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