ERIE, Pa. –
Jordan Rickan's (Kenmore, N.Y./Kenmore West) first career goal with 2:03 remaining in the first overtime gave the Gannon women's soccer team a 1-0 victory against Ashland Thursday afternoon at an extremely windy Gannon University Field.
The contest was Gannon's second in as many days during the Gannon Labor Day Invitational. The Lady Knights opened the event Thursday afternoon with a 4-0 victory against Lake Erie. The Gannon Labor Day Invitational concludes Saturday, September 1 with two neutral-site matches at Gannon University Field. Edinboro and Lake Erie battle at 11:30 a.m., followed by Notre Dame (Ohio) and Mercyhurst at 2:30 p.m.
Friday's Gannon-Ashland match was played with wind gusts that reached 35 miles per hour at times, giving the team heading east a large advantage. Ashland had the advantage during the first half, but only managed a slight 6-5 edge in shots. Gannon had a large advantage with the wind at its back in the second half, owning a 9-3 difference in shots during the next 45 minutes.
However, both goalkeepers were determined to maintain their shutouts. The Lady Knights had a couple chances to win late in regulation.
Mary Reilly's (Akron, Ohio/Archbishop Hoban) header in the 76th minute was kicked aside by a defender with the goalkeeper out of the net.
Justine Rodrigues (Georgetown, Ontario/Georgetown District) later had a scoring opportunity stopped by Ashland goalkeeper Rebecca Plescia in the 87th minute.
Gannon dominated the overtime session with the wind again at its back, accounting for all five shots taken in overtime. Plescia stopped three of the first four shots with the other attempt sailing wide.
In the waning minutes of the first overtime, Rickan pushed up with Gannon on a break. The redshirt senior defender 's decision was a good one as she tallied the Golden Goal off an assist from
Mani Brueckner (Valencia, Pa./Mars Area) with 2:03 left in the first overtime.
Friday's verdict was Gannon's first overtime victory since a 2-1 triumphant at Indiana (Pa.) on November 1, 2008. The Lady Knights had tied the last nine overtime contests they played in.
Gannon out-shot Ashland 19-9 and had an 8-4 edge in corner kicks.
Sarah Geffel (Apollo, Pa./Kiski Area) recorded four saves between the pipes. The Lady Knights have yet to allow a goal this season, producing a 5-0 scoring difference during the first two matches. Plescia turned away 10 Gannon shots.
Head coach
Colin Petersen's squad improved to 2-0 with Friday's second consecutive shutout. Ashland dropped to 0-2. Gannon returns to action Wednesday, September 5 at Lock Haven. The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opener is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
