MONROE, La. – With just 46 seconds remaining in double overtime, defending Sun Belt Conference regular season and tournament champions South Alabama scored the game winner to snatch a 3-2 result from the ULM soccer program on Sunday at the ULM Soccer Complex.
Twice the Warhawks (6-8-1, 0-4 SBC) found themselves down a goal in the second half and came back both times to push the game into overtime. USA's (9-2-1, 3-0 SBC) Jemma Purfield scored the game-winner after a high through-ball found her feet in the penalty box.
“This was a tough loss today. We found ourselves down two times against the 31st-ranked team in the country and came back twice. It was heartbreaking to lose with just 46 seconds left in double overtime,” said ULM head coach Roberto Mazza. “Still, I am the proudest coach. Our girls put every ounce of energy in this game and we feel we deserved better.”
ULM trailed 1-0 at half when senior Kelley O'Dwyer kicked in a corner kick in the 51st minute. Senior Karlea Fehr registered the assist on the play to move her into a tie for the all-time program record for points with 53. O'Dwyer recorded her third goal of the season and 11th of her career.
The Jaguars regained the lead, 2-1 in the 65th minute on a fast-break goal by Charde Hannah.
With just a little over five minutes remaining, freshman Cke'Lana Caesar headed in the equalizer after a cross from the right from junior Antonia Land. It marked the second goal of the season for Caesar, the lone freshman to score for ULM on the year.
USA's first goal was scored by Monique Autmon in the 21st minute on a shot from the right side found the far lower left corner.
“Even with this loss, I feel we have turned the corner and showed we can compete at a high level,” Mazza said. “I trust my players and know our girls are going to respond well.”
Caesar led the team with three shots in the game, all on goal. O'Dwyer also tallied a pair of shots on goal and was one of six Warhawks to play the full 109 minutes along with junior Amanda Borstelmann, senior Karlea Fehr, junior Whitney Tuckfield, sophomore Danielle LaFrance and freshman Kelsey Dazalla.
Pillon, Tuckfield and Dazalla continued their streaks of starting every game this season.
Freshman goalkeeper Brooke-Lynn Scroggins had another big outing with huge saves to keep ULM in reach. She totaled 10 saves in the contest.
“We have five games remaining and I feel something special is going to happen,” Mazza said.
ULM will now turn its attention to Little Rock as the two will square off on Friday at 7:00 p.m. in Little Rock, Ark.
