PULASKI, Tenn. — Eastern Oregon University (RV) Women's Soccer erased a two-goal halftime deficit and took a 3-2 lead in the second half, but (RV) Tennessee Southern found a late equalizer as the Mountaineers battled to a 3-3 draw Saturday night at Grissom Pitch.
Tennessee Southern controlled much of the opening half, putting pressure on the Mountaineer defense early, with six shots in the first 20 minutes.
Elysa Morse made an early save on a close attempt in the fourth minute, while Eastern Oregon worked to create chances of its own through
Calie Hitt,
Sienna Holbrook and
Cassidy Harding.
The Firehawks broke through in the 22nd minute to give Tennessee Southern a 1-0 advantage. Eastern Oregon continued to battle, with
Taylor Bair forcing a blocked shot and
Ashley Smith seeing an attempt blocked late in the half. Tennessee Southern, however, converted a penalty kick to double their lead.
The Mountaineers entered halftime trailing 2-0, but quickly turned the momentum after the break. Just over five minutes into the second half, Smith cut the deficit in half to bring EOU within one. The goal sparked an offensive push from the Mountaineers, who continued to create opportunities around the Tennessee Southern goal. Eastern Oregon nearly found the equalizer through
Samantha Jones and
Ava Henkemeyer, with both forcing saves from the Firehawks goalkeeper. The Mountaineers continued to press, as
Erin Kelley found the back of the net to level the match at 2-2.
Just seven minutes later, Smith struck again to give EOU its first lead of the night at 3-2. Tennessee Southern responded late, netting the ball in the 86th minute to bring the match level at 3-3. Both teams continued to push for a decisive goal in the final minutes, each taking a final shot, but neither side could find the game-winner before the final whistle.
Smith led the Mountaineers with three shots and two goals, while Kelly added a goal and Morse finished with two saves in goal.
Eastern Oregon finished with 13 shots, including six on goal, while Tennessee Southern recorded 17 shots with five on target. The Firehawks held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks, while Morse and the Mountaineer defense held Tennessee Southern scoreless on several late opportunities before the equalizer.
With the draw, Eastern Oregon moves to 2-1-1 on the season. The Mountaineers will return to action Monday, Sept. 7, at Bethel University (Tenn.), with kickoff set for 6 p.m. CT.
