For the third time in four games, SIUE women’s soccer played extra time, drawing with Belmont 1-1 in double overtime Sunday afternoon in Ohio Valley Conference play at Korte Stadium.
Cougars women’s soccer celebrates a goal Sunday / Photo by SIUE Sports Information
Both schools are 0-1-1 in the OVC. SIUE is 6-2-3 overall, while the Bruins are 2-5-2.
The Cougars outshot the Bruins 21-8 overall Sunday and finished the weekend with 44 combined shots, but just a single goal.
“We’re doing well creating opportunities,” SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton said. “It’s definitely disappointing that we’re not putting the ball in the back of the net in relation to the number of chances we’re creating.”
After playing a scoreless first half, it was the Bruins who got on the board first. Katie Proud chipped a pass over the SIUE defense for Amy Jo Anderson in the 58th minute. SIUE goalkeeper Jennifer Pelley came off her line and Anderson lined a shot to Pelley’s right, scoring at the far post to make it 1-0 Belmont.
The Cougars answered almost exactly 10 minutes later. It was the 68th minute when the Cougars earned one of nine corners on the day. Michelle Auer delivered a perfect ball to the back post. Tory Pitts was waiting and hit a half-volley shot over Belmont goalkeeper Nicole Berner to make it 1-1.
Despite eight more second-half shots, the Cougars weren’t able to find the game-winner and the match went to overtime at 1-1.
“We’re not hitting frame. We’re not keeping our composure in front of the net as well as we’d like,” Burton added. “We’re looking to improve in those areas.”
Kayla Delgado nearly ended the game just 30 seconds into the first overtime period. Delgado got a through ball and went one-on-one with Berner before her shot hit the upper left corner of the goal and deflected away.
Pelley made two saves in the game. Berner finished with eight.
Auer collected a game-high six shots, including two on goal. Sarah Doggendorf had four shots, two on goal. Cassidy Sherman and Alexandra Johnson each had two shots on goal.
“We have a number of people we’re relying on putting the ball in the back of the net for us, and we’re getting them chances.”
SIUE remains at home for a pair of OVC games this weekend. Eastern Kentucky is in town Friday. Morehead State comes to Edwardsville Sunday.
“Home next weekend and we’d like to start off with a good performance and score a couple of goals,” Burton said. “Getting our first win in conference is a focal point for us moving forward.”
