With time running out in the second overtime, the Xavier women’s soccer team scored a crucial goal. What is more impressive is the Musketeers accomplished this feat twice this past weekend at home. The two overtime victories improved Xavier’s record to 5-3 on the season and helped them remain undefeated (6-0-0) at the Xavier Soccer Complex.
On Friday night, Xavier defeated Eastern Kentucky University 1-0 after sophomore Ashton Green scored a goal in the 108th minute of action. Due to college soccer’s “golden goal rule” (where the first team to score wins), Green’s goal sealed the victory for the Musketeers. Head coach Woody Sherwood called the team’s performance “the best of the season.” The final shot was the 21st of the night for the Musketeers, who dominated the game offensively and defensively. The defense held EKU to six shots and only allowed one shot on goal. “If there was ever a game that this group deserved to win, it was tonight,” Sherwood said.
On Sunday, the Musketeers completed the weekend sweep by beating Austin Peay 1-0. Once again, the women scored a goal in the second overtime to come out victorious; this “golden goal” came from the foot of sophomore Taylor Dearbaugh in the 101st minute. Her goal, which was assisted by senior Jessica Brooks, was the second game-winning strike for the Musketeers in as many games. The defense had another strong outing against the Governors, who entered the game as the highest scoring team in the nation. Sherwood called the shutout “a great accomplishment.” He also praised his assistant coaches for their substitution patterns following Friday night’s game.
“They were able to buy our starters some valuable rest time, which we ended up needing late in the game.”
The women return to action on Friday night as they look to defeat rival University of Dayton, currently ranked No. 24 in the nation, at UD’s Baujan Field.