Box Score Lexington, Ky. – After a defensive deadlock that extended beyond 90 minutes of regulation, the Transylvania women's soccer team's bid for victory was thwarted with a 1-0 loss to the Anderson University Ravens on Saturday afternoon at Pat Deacon Stadium.
Aiming for a victory to complement the celebration for five seniors on Senior Day 2016 for the women's soccer team, the Pioneers came close on multiple occasions in both the first and second half.
But a well-timed breakaway by Anderson's Emily Buchman, who broke ahead of the pack on a lob from Hailey Embree in the 98th minute of play set up the lone goal of the game to clinch the sudden victory score in the first overtime to cease the contest.
It was a bitter ending for a Transylvania team that had sought the perfect moment to strike, only to witness Anderson grab it in a quick turn-of-pace 98th minute.
Save for the goal that came in the final moment, each team waged a balanced offensive attack against the other. Both the Ravens and Pioneers mustered 14 shots, with four on goal by Transylvania and four on goal by Anderson. Transylvania earned eight corner kicks on the afternoon, while Anderson registered seven total.
Transy came out with the stove burning, as the Pioneers mustered three shots on goal that required a concentrated level of response by Anderson goalkeeper Rebecca Roell.
After the first 20 minutes of the Transy attack, Anderson seized possession over the next 10 minutes as the Ravens sought their offensive game.
The Pioneers nearly mustered a goal in the final minute when sophomore Maddie Sjogren broke free in a 1v1 action on the right side and delivered a straight cross into the box, but traffic was tight with players from both sides and the opportunity was broken up.
The Pioneers defense held firm in the second half as senior goalkeeper Morgan Potts bent down on a strong stop against a point blank shot from Anderson's Beverly Tanner.
In the 71st minute, senior forward Charlotte Pruet was in position for a straightaway shot on goal, but her attempt was blocked, and the final 19 minutes went without much fanfare for either end.
Each side registered one shot in the overtime period before Anderson's breakaway brought the match to a sudden close.
The Pioneers fell to 2-6 in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference play with one game remaining at home. Transylvania will host Earlham on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.
Due to a unique situation manifesting with the Bluffton women's soccer team, it also may present the final game of the season overall for the Pioneers due to shortened numbers for Transylvania's scheduled opponent next Saturday in a season finale.
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