The women's soccer team continued their impressive start to the season last Friday, tying Trinity University (Texas), the top-ranked Division III team in the nation.
It was a highly anticipated match. As the No. 1 team in the country, Trinity wanted to prove its prowess by beating out another top ranked team.
On the other hand, our No. 7 Eagles, set out to prove they were the best by beating the best.
The crowd could feel the intensity of the match.
The game was consistently back and forth without one side dominating possession. Additionally, neither side had many chances, so each save was crucial.
The first break of the match came 17 minutes into the game. After receiving an intercepted pass, senior forward Charlotte Butker passed the ball to senior forward Emily Feldman.
Feldman then raced past the defense and scored on Trinity keeper, senior Devan Osegueda, giving the Eagles a 1-0 advantage.
"I was excited to score my first goal of the season against a team like Trinity.
We competed really well and stayed strong the whole game," Feldman said.
However, Trinity would not accept a 1-0 defeat.
The team fought back in the 58th minute scoring a clutch header off of a beautiful cross.
Following the goal, both teams had opportunities from corner kicks, but neither was able to take advantage of them. At the end of regulation, the score was tied 1-1.
Overtime was dominated by the defenses, as both Emory and Trinity were held to few shots. Still, both teams had great opportunities to steal the game.
Trinity's best chance came in the 100th minute with a strong effort by senior midfielder Kelsey Falcone. Beating a defender, only junior goalkeeper Liz Arnold separated Falcone from the net.
Arnold's miraculous save maintained the tie.
Emory's only shot on goal in overtime came in the 108th minute. Unfortunately, the Trinity goalkeeper, Osegueda, saved it. Soon after, the referee blew the final whistle.
While a draw is obviously not as satisfying as a win, the women's soccer team can be proud of their performance.
They took the fight to the number one team in the country and nearly won.
"It was great to play against a top-ranked team like Trinity," Feldman said.
This game will prepare us for our regional and conference games. I expect that we will go far in the NCAA Tournament," Arnold said.
The team returns to action this Friday, Sept. 12th at 7 p.m. to host Birmingham-Southern College (Ala.) at home.
– By Michael Scheck
