MARTIN, Tenn. – The Jacksonville State soccer team played to a 1-1 draw with UT Martin on Tuesday evening in Ohio Valley Conference women's soccer action.
Both clubs moved to 2-3-1 on the season and pick up a point with the draw towards qualifying for the OVC Soccer Championship. JSU, who kept its unbeaten streak intact, returns to action on Friday, hosting Morehead State at the JSU Soccer Field. Admission is free.
In a equal match on a blistery day on the pitch, both sides were active offensively, but also saw great play defensively and from both goalkeepers. The Gamecocks were effective on offense in the first 45 minutes with nine of their 13 shots in the first half. The Skyhawks were limited to four chances in the opening half, but finished with 10 shots in the second half to hold a 17-13 edge in total shots. UTM had the only three shots in the two 10-minute overtime sessions.
"Both teams were excellent and it was the best game of college soccer that I've seen in a long time," said head coach
Neil Macdonald. "I thought we had the edge in the first half and that they (UTM) were stronger for periods in the second half."
After a scoreless 74 minutes, both teams netted the only two goals of the contest within a span of two minutes. The Skyhawks took the lead on a header from Alice Adams after the ball was crossed from the left side.
JSU quickly answered in the 76th minute after a rebound from a
Alicia Pallister shot found the foot of
Gabriel Clarke. Clarke was able to flick the loose ball into the net on the left side of the goal. Clarke has now scored three goals in the last three matches, including two last Tuesday at Eastern Kentucky.
Ida Cederberg,
Ali Thomas and
Kylie Wells had multiple shots in the contest with Cederberg and Thomas leading the way with three shots.
"I am really pleased with the commitment of the girls in difficult moments," added Macdonald. "They dug in and won big tackles to get us back in it."
Redshirt junior
Morgan Lerch continued to be solid in goal with seven saves on the day.
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