Oilers Win in Overtime Thriller
Findlay, Ohio- The University of Findlay women`s soccer team opened up their 2019 season against Northwood University on Sunday, September 8 at DeHaven Field. The season opener would go on to showcase an overtime classic and result in a hard fought victory for the Oilers with a final score of 2-1.
The Oilers would come out of the gates firing multiple shots to try and take the early lead. Within the first ten minutes of the first half, the Oilers were able to take four shots and maintain the possession for the majority of the first half.
During the 39th minute of the first half, one of those shots on goal would be a success, and score the first goal of the contest. While splitting between two defenders, freshman Elizabeth Talabac would take a shot just outside the box and score her first career goal as an Oiler in the top left of the net. Talabac would end the contest with two other shots.
The Oilers would take their 1-0 lead into the second half of the game. The second half would start with aggressive play on both sides of the field in order to battle for possession and control of the game. In the 71st minute, the Timberwolves would get their first big chance to capitalize on a penalty kick opportunity. With Juliana Paoletti of Northwood ready to kick, she would score and tie the game at one a piece.
The rest of the game would ramp up to get into overtime. Within less than three minutes into the first overtime, the Timberwolves would get a chance to win the game on another penalty kick opportunity. With 92:39 on the clock, the crowd awaited as Paoletti would get another try to see if she could capitalize on another penalty kick. The kick was away, and goalkeeper Nicole Burke would save the potential game winning goal with a diving effort to keep the game alive for the Oilers.
The Oilers would use that save by Burke to try to make a goal of their own before the first overtime would end. Out of a free kick, Sydney Demyan would be able to advance the ball downfield where Sam Francis awaited. Francis would control the ball off the bounce and finding her cutting teammate, Olivia Frank slashing towards the box. From Francis to Frank, Frank would turn and fire in the lower left to cap off a thrilling victory for the team`s first win of the season in the season opener.
The Oilers would outshoot the Timberwolves 21 to 11 in shots, and 11 to 7 in shots on goal. Ashley Rings led the Oilers with 5 shots while Karleigh Clere would take 3 shots, all being on goal, along with Frank and Talabec with 3 a piece as well. Nicole Burke and Anna Money each would end the game with 2 saves.
The women`s team will be back in action Friday, September 13 at home against the visiting Ashland Eagles. The contest is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. at DeHaven Field.