NEED TO KNOW
Score: Life U 2, Xavier Louisiana 2
Record: Life U 6-1-2, 4-1-1 SSAC
MARIETTA, Ga. — The No. 12-ranked Life University women's soccer team battled RV Xavier Louisiana to a 2-2 draw Sunday afternoon, with the Running Eagles finding the equalizer with just 27 seconds remaining in regulation.
The Running Eagles controlled much of the offensive pressure throughout the afternoon, finishing with a 21-12 advantage in shots and a 10-5 edge in shots on goal. Despite the offensive output, the Running Eagles fell behind in the first half before battling back to secure the SSAC tie in the final moments.
The Running Eagles struck first in the third minute when a Louise Martineau header found the back of the net off an assist from the corner Victoria Valles, giving Life U an early 1-0 advantage.
Life continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half, but Xavier goalkeeper Aylin Yildirim turned aside several Life chances to keep the Running Eagles off the scoreboard.
Xavier would respond in the 25th minute when Juliana Kottbauer scored to make it 1-1.
The Golden Nuggets would add to their lead before halftime. In the 40th minute, Anita Roese scored off an assist from Maureen Owusu, making it 2-1 in favor of Xavier Louisiana heading into the break.
In the second half, the Running Eagles fire off 13 shots, including seven shots on goal, while continuing to pressure the Xavier defense.
With time winding down, Life finally found the breakthrough it needed when Phoenix Parks scored in the 90th minute off a deflected cross in the box. finding the back of the net with just 27 seconds remaining to level the match at 2-2.
Neither side could find a winner in the closing seconds as the teams settled for the draw.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-- Life outshot Xavier Louisiana 21-12 and held a 10-5 advantage in shots on goal.
-- The Running Eagles held an 8-1 edge in corner kicks.
-- Life recorded 13 shots in the second half after taking eight in the opening period.
-- Louise Martineau led Life with seven shots and four shots on goal.
-- Victoria Valles finished with six shots and two shots on goal while recording an assist.
-- Phoenix Parks scored Life's late equalizer and finished with three shots and two shots on goal.
-- Aylin Yildirim made eight saves for Xavier Louisiana.
-- Elora Niederpruem made three saves for Life.
TURNING POINT:
-- With less than a minute remaining, Life continued its pressure and Phoenix Parks found the equalizer at the 89:33 mark.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
-- Phoenix Parks scored the game-tying goal with 27 seconds remaining in regulation.
-- Louise Martineau led all players with seven shots and four shots on goal while scoring Life's opening goal.
-- Victoria Valles recorded an assist and finished with six shots and two shots on goal.
-- Elora Niederpruem made three saves in goal for the Running Eagles.
-- Aylin Yildirim kept Xavier Louisiana in front for much of the match with eight saves.
