3-3-2 (0-1-0MAC)
Ball State
6-2-1 (1-0-0MAC)
Bulls Open Conference Slate With 1-0 Double Overtime Loss To Ball State
9/27/2013 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
BUFFALO, NY – The University at Buffalo women's soccer team (3-3-2, 0-1-0 MAC) dropped a heartbreaking double overtime game on Friday night in the conference opener to the Ball State Cardinals (6-2-1, 1-0-0 MAC) by the score of 1-0.
"I thought we came out and built upon some of the things that we did well last game out against Niagara," said head coach Michael Thomas. "I thought that we were dangerous and our effort in the air was very good tonight. It was a very good effort but this can be a cruel game and tonight we lost in the final minutes."
The Cardinals were able to score the game-winning marker in the 105th minute, as Nicole Pembleton was able to slip the ball passed a diving Ainsley Wheldon after a perfect crossing feed from Michelle Blok. The goal came on the Cardinals 17th shot of the contest, as they were able to outshoot Buffalo 17-7 for the game.
The Bulls had multiple chances in the opening half to gain the lead following a big diving stop from Wheldon just five minutes into play. Following the save, the Bulls received a great chance on a free kick as Sophie Therien took a great shot that went just wide right in the 30th minute. Just over a minute later, Katie Roberts almost netted her second goal of the year but Layne Schramm made a big diving stop to keep the game scoreless.
In the final moments of the first half, Kristin Markiewicz had a great header try that sailed just over the cross bar to send the teams into half knotted at zero.
The second half was very evenly played, as Wheldon made a nice stop on the Cardinals lone shot on goal of the half. With just over a minute remaining in regulation, Karen McMahon almost gave the Bulls the victory but her shot attempt sailed just wide of the open Ball State goal.
Neither team was able to get any offense going in the first overtime period as only one Ball State shot found the net. The Bulls came out in the second overtime with an extra hop in their step looking for the game-winning goal but they were denied on two good chances before the Cardinals found the back of the net with under five minutes to play in the contest.
Wheldon finished the game with five saves for the Bulls while Schramm recorded five in the winning effort for the Cardinals. Roberts led the Bulls with two shots on goal for the game with five other Bulls recording at least one shot.
The Bulls will return to the pitch on Sunday at noon as they play host to Miami (OH) in their final of seven straight home contests at UB Stadium.
Team Stats
PEMBLETON, Nicole
Assisted By: BLOK, Michelle
16 cross into box where 9 scored low lef
105:08
