CEDAR CITY, Utah - Oct. 8 - Southern Utah women's soccer had a 1-0 lead with a little more than ten minutes left, but a late shot by Western Illinois and a scoreless drought by both teams in the overtime periods resulted in a 1-1 draw on Thursday afternoon. The deadlock left Southern Utah with a 3-7-2 overall mark and 1-1-1 record in conference and the Fighting Leathernecks with a 3-5-2 and 0-1-1 mark in Summit League play. The T-Birds are now 4-0-1 all-time against Western Illinois in Cedar City.
"We gave away two points today," head coach Brian Stock said after the game. The team was left with a point in the Summit League standings instead of three points for a win. "They really packed it in during the first half and that was something we didn't prepare for. However we played how we had to in order to score a goal."
WIU packed all 11 players in Southern Utah's attacking third during the first 45 minutes as the Thunderbirds controlled possession for most of the first half. The T-Birds used a relentless attack, recording 16 shots in the first half, finally breaking through in the 25th minute as Makell Southworth played a sharp cross into the box that was deflected by Shelby Ostler. SUU senior Erin Marble corralled the ball along the far post and buried it into the back of the net for her third goal of the season.
Southern Utah held the lead through most of the second half, but Western Illinois was able to make the most of 16 T-Bird fouls in the final half and scored on a deep free kick. WIU's Jennifer Green kicked the ball from 35-40 yards from the goal in the 79th minute, directing the shot to the top corner. SUU keeper Charly Booth had her eye on the ball the entire way, but drifted too far into the goal, allowing the ball to cross the line.
The T-Birds were held without a shot in the first overtime period, but put the pressure on the Leathernecks in the second overtime period with three shots, including two on goal. However, in the end Southern Utah had to settle for the 1-1 draw after not breaking through in the extra time.
"This will probably be a win for them in their eyes," Stock said. "We just need to move forward and do all we can to capitalize on our chances."
Riley Bassett led the Thunderbirds with six shots on the day, including five on goal. Booth pulled in seven saves on 16 WIU shots, but it was Western's Laura Atkinson that recorded 14 saves on Southern Utah's 25 shots to preserve the tie.
The Thunderbirds will be back in action on Saturday in the third annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. SUU will host IUPUI wearing pink jerseys to show support for breast cancer research with the uniforms being auctioned after the game for $100. T-shirts, pins and bracelets will be for sale in addition to hot dogs with all proceeds benefiting the Huntsman Cancer Institute. Kick-off for the game is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
