SCHENECTADY, NY – The Union women's soccer team battled to a 1-1 double overtime draw in a fast-paced contest against in-state foe Cortland Wednesday. Senior defender Sarah Wilson (Wilbraham, MA) converted on a penalty kick near the end of the first half to pull the score even. The Dutchwomen go to 4-1-1, while the Red Dragon's move to 2-2-2.

 

Most of the first half was a defensive struggle with both goalkeepers keeping the score at zeros. Sophomore Abby Stohler (West Hartford, CT) had a daring attempt that paid off in the 11^th minute when she stole the ball off of Cortland senior forward Katie Trivisonno's (Apalachin, NY) foot inside the box.

 

Stohler was again up to the task when Cortland freshman forward Jackie Deluise (Schenectady, NY) maneuvered through the Union defense and fired from 14 yards out at 21:15.

 

The Red Dragons got a valid first half effort from their goalkeeper, sophomore Pam Monnier (Northport, NY), who turned aside a try from freshman forward Jessica Strang (Rotterdam, NY) at 32:41. However, the biggest defensive play came when Cortland freshman forward Bridgette DeSantis (Rotterdam, NY) made a team save in front of a wide open net on a header by Strang.

 

Deluise broke the scoring drought at 35:34 on a semi-breakaway goal. She was set up by a deep, through ball from the backfield from junior defender Ashley Mewhorter (Clifton Park, NY).

 

After Strang was taken down in the penalty area at 42:25, Wilson converted on the penalty kick for her second tally of the season.

 

The pace picked up in the second half with both teams having opportunities early. Junior midfielder Katie Weinstein (Marblehead, MA) was robbed on a shot in close at 52:48 and Stohler made her third save on a try from Trivisonno at 56:27.

 

Union threatened deep into the second half when sophomore forward Katie McLean (Newton, MA) caused a turnover and fed the ball to junior defender Amy Block (Stratham, HN), who found Wilson in a scrum in the 85^th minute. Wilson got a clean header away, but the ball sailed high.

 

The Dutchwomen controlled most of the play in the overtime periods, outshooting the Red Dragons, 2-1. Strang had Union best chance when she found herself alone in front with only 22 ticks remaining in the first OT period. Her shot from three years out found the body of Monnier.

 

Monnier finished the game with five saves and Stohler walked away with four.

 

For the game Union held the advantage in shots (16-8) and shots on goal (7-5). Each team took three corners apiece.

 

The Dutchwomen return to action Saturday, Sept. 20 for a 1 p.m. contest at Mt. Holyoke.