The Drake women’s soccer team tied Indiana State, 1-1, after going into double overtime last Wednesday, Sept. 29.
The Bulldogs conceded an early goal in the game, putting them down 1-0. In the ninth minute a through pass was played across Drake’s defensive third where Indiana State sophomore forward Sasha Thompson was able to slot past fifth-year senior goalkeeper Kelsie Stone.
“This season we have played all our opponents as if we are the underdogs, because on paper, we are,” said Olivia Bruce, fifth-year forward. “Being ranked seventh in the MVC means that we are expected to lose. So going down a goal wasn’t something that rattled us, we just knew we’d need to work two times harder if we were going to get back into the game.
Stone faced 15 shots throughout the game with six saves. One notable shot she faced was where she had to make a reaction save on a one touch shot after the ball was crossed through the middle with 12 minutes remaining in the first half. This save helped prevent Indiana State from extending their lead.
“Kelsie took her COVID year, so she is more experienced and mature and a much better version of herself than in her younger years,” Horner said. “She is doing a better job this year of limiting goal scoring moments that she has to make big saves by organizing her back line and solving problems before they turn into saves. She also is tremendously confident this year and is handling the pressure of being a senior captain and having fun.”
First-year midfielder Makenna Shepard said the “team’s performance was strong” and that they were able to win all of the “50/50 balls”.
For most of the game Drake was able to maintain possession of the ball, as well as outshoot the Sycamores 24-15.
“We continued to play our game, and play it the way we know how,” Shepard said on what went well during the game. “Our seniors do a great job setting the tone for us and help each other out.”
In the 68th minute junior forward Meghan Brown drew a foul inside the box leading to a penalty kick. Scoring her third goal of the season, sophomore forward Emma Nagel took the shot and tied the game up, 1-1. During both periods of overtime neither team was able to score, so the game ended in a draw.
“Even in the end of the first half we had complete control of the game, so it felt like there were goals in our future,” Horner said. “At halftime we reminded them of where we had number overloads and to keep creating 2v1’s out wide and running at their fullbacks or getting crosses into the box.”
After looking back on the season so far Horner said they had a “really difficult non-conference schedule”.
“To tie at Kansas, win at Iowa State, and beat 15th ranked Memphis is a testament to our team’s grit and ability to rise to the occasion,” Horner said. “In our first two conference games we dominated possession and created good chances, but didn’t make our opponents work hard enough to score their goals. We have proven to be a team that can limit goals against, and that will be our strength moving forward.”
The Bulldogs lost to Loyola, 4-1, last Sunday on Oct. 3 however Bruce said the team believes they can turn things around for the conference tournament.
“Our game against Loyola is always one that we know is going to be a battle,” Bruce said. “Sunday night didn’t go our way, but we know as a team that we have a lot better to show for the next time we meet up with them.”
