MACOMB, Ill. – In its third overtime match in four games, the Golden Eagles prevailed defeating Western Illinois, 1-0, Sunday afternoon.
From beginning to end, the Oral Roberts women's soccer team battled Western Illinois through 109 minutes and 37 seconds, before junior midfielder Brianna McGowan found the back of the net for her first career goal.
Kelli Keller and Anna Gornell started things off for the Golden Eagles as each recorded shot attempts that were blocked by a stingy Leatherneck defense. The Leathernecks fired shots back with two errant attempts as both teams came out of the gates evenly matched.
McGowan gave Western Illinois its first scare in the 17th minute as she fired a shot that forced the Leatherneck goal keeper to dive to her right to record the save. Shortly after, Western Illinois answered back with an attack of its own before true freshman Allison Austin denied the threat recording her first save of the half.
After the first 45 minutes of action both teams headed to the locker room scoreless. Oral Roberts recorded two shots on goal in four attempts, while Austin recorded two saves.
The Golden Eagles came out of the locker room and attacked early as Mia Kitterman fired two shots within the first 10 minutes, despite missing the frame. Teammates Keller and Shayla Padilla followed with attempts of their own that found the target, before Leatherneck goal keeper Palmiero Herrera denied the threat.
In the final 10 minutes of regulation, Austin held off a relentless attack from the Leathernecks as the Norman native recorded four saves to force overtime.
Both teams continued to battle back and forth and in the final 23 seconds of double overtime forward Mia Kitterman found McGowan who placed the ball into the top left corner torching the Leatherneck goal keeper to give the Golden Eagles the 1-0 victory.
Oral Roberts is next in action on Thursday, Oct. 31, playing host to South Dakota. First touch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., a ceremony to honor the senior class will conclude the evening.
NOTABLES
- Allison Austin recorded her second career shutout while recording seven saves.
- The golden goal was Brianna McGowan's first career game winner.
- ORU is now tied for fourth (8 points) with NDSU in The Summit League standings.
- The Golden Eagles recorded seven shots on goal in 15 attempts.
- ORU is now 2-0-2 in Summit League overtime matches.
- Oral Roberts is now 5-1-2 in the blue kits.
For the latest information on ORU Women's Soccer, follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or go to www.ORUAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading two mobile apps, ORU Golden Eagles Live and ORU Front Row, available on the App Store and Google Play.
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