Box Score Hillsboro, Oregon - The Thunderbird soccer team kicked off Big Sky play on Friday afternoon with an overtime thriller against the Portland State Vikings, that went PSU's way in the 98th minute 2–1.
SUU (5–4, 0–1 Big Sky) and PSU (3–6, 1–0) played a very tight game, but a penalty about eight minutes into the first overtime period gave the Vikings a penalty kick that would put a cap on the contest.
The Vikings struck early as Aurora Bodenhamer scored her first goal of the season in the seventh minute to put the Vikings up 1–0.
The Thunderbirds struck back in the 25th minute when Paige Robins scored her fourth goal of the season, and knotted the Thunderbirds and Vikings up at 1–1. Logan Harker and Shelby Green were both given an assist for the goal.
The teams were interlocked in a defensive struggle in the second half, and neither team scored for the 45 minute half.
In the first overtime period the team played all season, a penalty was committed in the box by the Thunderbirds, allowing Bodenhamer to step to the penalty kick spot and score her second goal of the game and give the Vikings a 2–1.
The Vikings had a lot more offensive opportunities than the Thunderbirds, outshooting them 21–6, and had a 10–3 advantage in shots on goal.
Taylor Bolding started in goal for the Thunderbirds and played the entire match, and despite allowing two goals, finished with eight saves.
Next up for the Thunderbirds is another Big Sky matchup, this time in Sacramento, California to take on the Sacramento State Hornets. The match is scheduled to start at 2 p.m on Sunday.