The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Marshall
Women's Soccer Stuns Marshall in OT, 2-1
10/9/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB women’s soccer team notched its first Conference USA win of the season as the Blazers stun Marshall, 2-1, in overtime at West Campus Field Friday evening.
“It was a great win against a great team,” said head coach Harold Warren. “Marshall hadn’t lost in 12 matches, so we knew it was going to be tough. Leading up to the match, we’ve been talking about full commitment and what that really is. The girls came out in full commitment and
Marshall (9-2-3, 2-1-2 C-USA) entered the contest with an unbeaten streak of 12 matches while ranking second in the conference standings.
The Thundering Herd struck early in the first half when Jordan Parkhurst squeaked a goal by keeper Kelsey Daugherty off an assist from Sydney Arnold in the fourth minute.
Marshall’s defense kept the Blazers (2-9-0, 1-3-0 C-USA) off the board in the first 90 minutes of play to take the 1-0 advantage into the half.
The Green and Gold found its footing in the second half, charting eight shots compared to only two in the first.
“They were just committed to the cause,” Warren said on halftime adjustments. “That’s everything. Even when it hurts and you feel like stopping, you keep pushing yourself. That’s what they did tonight.”
Senior Kasey Johnson netted the equalizer off a cross from fellow senior Paige Hanks in the 57th minute to knot the match at 1-all. The goal was the fourth of the season for the senior forward.
The Herd pressured UAB late, but Daugherty’s six saves in the period forced overtime at West Campus Field.
With only five minutes remaining in the overtime period, UAB gained possession of the ball with Hanks moving it up
Key-Adams crossed the ball behind Marshall defenders to sophomore Rachel Green, who netted the game-winner in the 95th minute for her first goal of the season.
“Morgan is good on the ball,” said Warren. “She’s quick. She looked across and had Rachel and Johnson on the run. The cross couldn’t have been more perfect. It was behind the backs, so there was nothing they could do. Rachel slid it in for a beautiful goal.”
The Blazers finished the match with 11 total shots with six landing on goal. The Herd outshot UAB with 21 total, but Daugherty’s 10 saves in the match proved the difference as the freshman keeper improved to 2-8-0 on the season.
UAB returns to conference action on Sunday as the Blazers host Western Kentucky at West Campus Field. First kick against the Hilltoppers is scheduled for 1 p.m. CT.
The UAB men’s and women’s soccer teams will call BBVA Compass Field their new home, beginning with the 2016 season. The soccer-specific facility has been made possible through the generosity of BBVA Compass and other devoted donors. For construction updates and monthly photo galleries, please visit UABSports.com and click on the men’s or women’s soccer home page.
For more information on the UAB women's soccer team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UABWomensSoccer). For more on all
