ERIE, Pa. –
Mani Brueckner's (Valencia, Pa./Mars Area) unassisted goal with 11:41 remaining in regulation enabled the No. 15 Gannon women's soccer team to scratch out a 1-1 double-overtime tie against Clarion Wednesday night at Gannon University Field.
Gannon, ranked 15th in the latest National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Top 25 Poll and No. 2 in the NSCAA Atlantic regional rankings, had its hands full with the underdog Golden Eagles. The Lady Knights recorded the first seven shots of the match, but were unable to get four of those attempts on goal. Clarion goalkeeper Laura Saussol turned away the other three shots.
Clarion didn't get its first shot off until 21:28 into the affair when
Sarah Geffel (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) made a save on Jordan Bahr. Following three more Gannon shots, Clarion scored the match's first goal on an unusual play in the 37th minute. Bahr shot the ball towards the net from 20 yards out, but didn't get much on the shot. However, the ball deflected off a Gannon defender and past the goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.
A little over a minute later, Clarion had a golden opportunity to extend its lead. But Casey Harsch's shot ripped off the crossbar. It proved to be the last shot of the half as the Golden Eagles went to the break with a 1-0 advantage despite being out-shot 10-3.
Gannon dominated the second half, producing a 10-1 edge in shots. However, the Lady Knights had a difficult time converting scoring chances. Saussol, who entered the match with 81 saves, turned away four more shots for a total of eight saves before the Lady Knights finally broke through.
Brueckner tied the match with 11:41 remaining on a great individual effort. The true freshman dribbled halfway down the field, beating numerous defenders along the way. Her initial shot was saved by Saussol, but the goalkeeper was unable to control the ball. Brueckner took the ball right back and scored off the rebound into the net. Gannon had three more shots during the final 11 minutes, but Saussol was up to the task each time.
Gannon controlled both overtime sessions, but was unable to get the winning score. The Lady Knights out-shot the Golden Eagles 6-0 during the first overtime and 4-0 during the second overtime. Eight of those 10 shots failed to reach the goal.
In all, Gannon out-shot Clarion 30-4 and held a 10-2 edge in corner kicks. Geffel made one save in the first half while
Maggie Brinkman (Clarence Center, N.Y./Clarence) recorded one save during 65 minutes of relief action. Saussol finished with 13 saves.
Gannon moved to 8-2-1 overall and 5-2-1 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) with its first tie of the season. The Lady Knights are 0-1-1 in their last two matches after opening the campaign 8-1. Clarion is now 1-7-3 overall and 1-6-1 in conference play. The Golden Eagles are 1-0-2 during their last three matches against Gannon.
Head coach
Colin Petersen's club returns to action Saturday, October 6 at Indiana (Pa.). The Crimson Hawks are ranked fifth in the latest NSCAA Atlantic regional rankings. Game time is scheduled for 1 p.m.
