Box Score VALDOSTA, Ga. – After leading for most of the match on Sunday afternoon, the Valdosta State Soccer Team suffered a devastating overtime loss in NCAA regional action, as Saint Leo scored two late goals to secure a 3-2 victory at the VSU Soccer Complex in Valdosta, Ga.
Valdosta State took a lead very early in the contest after
Mallory McDaniel played off to
Suvi Savolainen just past midfield. Savolainen returned the ball to McDaniel as she streaked down the left side, resulting in an assist opportunity for McDaniel, who delivered a cross that was redirected into the right side by
Logan Lindy. The goal put VSU in front 1-0 and marked the first career goal for Lindy.
Three minutes into the second period, Saint Leo locked the score up at 1-1, thanks to a header from Genevieve Gignac. The Blazers bounced back later in the half, however, after McDaniel offered up her second assist of the day to
Jordan Humbert, who struck from close range into the right netting to put VSU back in front 2-1 with just under 24 minutes remaining in regulation.
McCall Gardner, who tallied five saves in the match, came up with a brilliant save on a well struck ball just ten yards in front of the goal late in the period to keep the Blazers in front, but the Lions put up tremendous offensive pressure in the closing minutes. Magda Mosengo kept the Lions hopes alive with 7:16 to play after leaving her feet to drive a shot into the right side, which knotted the contest back up at 2-2 and forced overtime.
With the match on the line in a golden goal situation, Saint Leo immediately went on the attack. Arielle Kabangu broke loose in the middle and gave the Lions the win after finishing with a goal into the lower left corner during the second minute.
Valdosta State fell to 0-2 following the tough loss, while Saint Leo evened up their season record at 1-1.
The Blazers return to action on Thursday, September 10
th, with a 7:00 p.m. matchup against Embry-Riddle. The match is scheduled to take place at the VSU Soccer Complex in Valdosta, Ga..
