Reading, Pa (October 7, 2015) – Arcadia University (7-4, 1-1) was able to capitalize on a well-played ball late in the 102nd minute to grab a double-overtime victory over Alvernia University (2-9-1, 0-1) in a MAC-Commonwealth Conference women's soccer match up Thursday evening at Alvernia.
Arcadia's Jess Kelly scored the game-winner in the second overtime period.
The Crusaders struck first after capitalizing on a corner opportunity in the 11th minute.
Bailey Stover sent a near perfect ball into play, and Johanna Shank connected with it by the left post to put Alvernia on the board.
Eight minutes later, the Knights tied things up. Karis Poore, shot the ball from the far right side, and the shot, which appeared to be going wide, bent in at the last second and dribbled past Alvernia goalkeeper, Jess Plunkett, and into the left corner of goal.
With neither team able to convert additional scoring opportunities, the game went into half tied at 1-1.
Alvernia had the first good scoring opportunity of the second half, with 14 minutes remaining in the game. Acradia's goalie mishandled the ball, and Alvernia's
Melissa Stahl jumped on the loose ball, but her shot went directly back into the hands of the Arcadia keeper.
Arcadia had a scoring opportunity of its own seven minutes later, but Plunkett made an excellent save off a Kayla Haberbosch shot. Alvernia's defense was then able to stop the rebound by Tara Smith and keep the game even.
The final seven minutes of the half saw only two more shots by Arcadia that each went wide, sending the game into overtime.
Arcadia came into the first overtime firing, but couldn't find the net. Arcadia did put one in net with a minute and a half remaining, but it was called back because of a handball.
In the 12th minute of overtime, Arcadia was able to break the 83-minute long tie. Jess Kelly took advantage of her perfect position along the left post and an excellent cross from Ghil Joseph to grab the win for the Knights.
Plunkett finished the night with seven saves.
The Crusaders continue conference play with a match at Lebanon Valley College on the Saturday at 1:00pm, and then return home on the 13th to face cross-town rival, Albright College, at 7:00pm.
Arcadia 2, Alvernia 1 (2OT)
