Women's Soccer 11/7/2008 7:00:00 AM Southern Utah Athletics

Thunderbirds Fall in Heartbreaking Double Overtime Finish at Summit League Championships

MACOMB, Ill. - Nov. 7 - Southern Utah women's soccer had a 2-1 lead with four minutes remaining in the game, but gave up a late goal and then surrendered the game winning goal in the second overtime as the Thunderbirds fell 3-2 to Oakland University in the first round of The Summit League Soccer Championships on Friday morning. The loss leaves SUU with an overall record of 7-10-0 on the year while the Golden Grizzlies (9-8-2) will advance to The Summit League finals on Sunday afternoon.

"This was just a great soccer game today," head coach Brian Stock said after the contest. "It was heart breaking for us, but I have to say that we stepped up to the challenge and that our back line was solid. This gives us a lot to look forward to next year as we were able to give our young players a lot of minutes this year."

Oakland opened the scoring with a counter-attack goal in the 21st minute as Meghan Hartwig took a pass from Jessica Boyle and put the ball into the far post to give the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead. That advantage stretched through the remainder of the first half and into the intermission.

Southern Utah tied the game quickly in the second half with an equalizing goal in the 47th minute on Erica Berlin's third goal of the season. Freshman Stacey Brinkman played the ball over the top to Berlin who found the back of the net. Brinkman's assist added to her team-high 13 points this season.

Kristen Fronk put the T-Birds up 2-1 in the 75th minute as her free kick from 30 yards sailed past the keeper and into the goal. The goal marked the first for the junior defender this season.

Southern Utah maintained its 2-1 lead up through the 86th minute until Sarah Lynch tied the game, collecting a fisted ball by SUU keeper Sutton Fox and putting the ball back into the net. Jessica Boyle was credited with the assist after recording the initial shot.

Neither team was able to break the 2-2 deadlock in the first overtime as Southern Utah's back line kept the 'Birds in the game despite three shots by the Grizzlies. Each team recorded a single shot in the second overtime, but it was Boyle's shot in the 104th minute that found the far post, giving Oakland the win. Melissa Hartwig was credited with the assist on the game winner.

Southern Utah wrapped up its season with seven wins, tying the all-time school record set in 2005 and 2007. The T-Birds also recorded the fourth-most goals in school history with 21 on the third-most shots in school history with 245. SUU will have a wealth of experience returning in 2009 with three of its four starters on the backline, all four starting midfielders and several talented forwards ready to step into a starting role.

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Players Mentioned

#8 Erica Berlin: F; 5' 3"; Freshman

#25 Sutton Fox: GK; 5' 8"; Freshman

#3 Kristen Fronk: D; 5' 6"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#8 Erica Berlin
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: F

#25 Sutton Fox
: 5' 8"; Freshman
: GK

#3 Kristen Fronk
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: D

Players Mentioned

#8 Erica Berlin

#25 Sutton Fox

#3 Kristen Fronk

Players Mentioned

#8 Erica Berlin

#25 Sutton Fox

#3 Kristen Fronk