Box Score STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — The Franciscan University of Steubenville's women's soccer team used a gutsy performance from goalkeeper Lauren Koath to fight to the end in its opening home game of the season but fell to Muskingum University 2-1 in overtime.
"We dominated the game," head coach Johann Marin said. "However since we did not convert our chances, the pressure of a 1-0 lead persisted for the entire game."
Throughout the game the Lady Baron team displayed good communication on the field and kept its momentum flowing from play to play. In the first half they acquired many chances for shots but it wasn't until Ashley Ruttencutter connected with the ball from the outside to assist Jordan Bryley in scoring the first goal of the game in the 39th minute.
"The name of the game is goal and tonight our mistakes exceeded our goal scoring chance conversion rate," Marin said.
The Lady Baron defense held Muskingum from scoring the entire first period with its use of pressure. The ladies utilized their speed and gutsy approach to stretch and reach to get touches and block advances from Muskingum.
In the 82nd minute, however, Muskingum finally got one past Koath when Hailey Dickey scored off of an assist from Noelle Kleppel to knot the score at 1-1 and send the game into overtime.
Muskingum started overtime with possession of the ball and had four breakaway opportunities in a span of just over two minutes to win the game, but Koath stopped all four shot attempts, keeping the Lady Barons alive.
Four minutes into overtime, however, Dickey took a corner kick for Muskingum and connected with the head of Carissa Myler who rocketed the ball to the back of the net to steal the overtime victory for the visitors.
Koath finished the game with ten total saves.
"We are unhappy about the loss but content with the fact that we are improving daily, we are determined for a win against Bethany on Tuesday even though it will be a tough game," Marin said. "We ask for your prayers as we move forward in faith and continue our mission of evangelization through this beautiful game."
The Lady Barons' (0-2) next game is Tuesday, September 4, versus Bethany College and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
