JACKSONVILLE – Two former conference mates battled to a 1-1 draw on Thursday night between Jacksonville State and Belmont at the JSU Soccer Field.
The Gamecocks, who moved to the ASUN and will turn their focus towards conference play, moved to 4-4-1 overall, while the Bruins open Ohio Valley Conference play next week with a 3-4-1 record.
Both sides recorded a second half goal by the 58th minute as both Jax State and Belmont had scoring chances in the waning moments of overtime and in the two extra periods. After playing 45 minutes without a goal, the Bruins netted a goal in the 48th minute from Loren House.
The Gamecocks were able to equalize 10 minutes later on a perfect serve in from sophomore
Briana Eads to junior
Cephana Deane for the tying goal. The goal was her second of the season and the second assist by Eads in 2021. JSU surpassed its shots per game mark of 16.3 per outing with 22 total shots in the contest while holding the Bruins to 10 shots on the night.
"I thought it was an excellent performance, especially in the first half. I thought we played some good soccer and created some opportunities. Our back three were really solid tonight and I thought the midfield three did a really good job of putting pressure on the ball," said head coach
Neil Macdonald. "I though Gabby Clarke was excellent tonight and she is so creative with the ball."
JSU recorded nine of its 22 shots in the opening half and nine shots on goal in the contest. Three different Gamecocks recorded four shots in the draw as Deane, freshman
Kylie Wells and sophomore
Cynthia Bagozzi led the way offensively. Defensively, JSU goalkeeper
Morgan Lerch collected six saves in the draw.
Thursday's bout with Belmont wrapped up the non-conference portion of the schedule as league matches begin next week. The Gamecocks will open ASUN action on the road in Lynchburg, Va. Against ASUN Tournament Champion, Liberty, next Thursday, Sept. 23. JSU concludes the first weekend of conference outings on Sunday, Sept. 26 just across the state line at Kennesaw State.
"I have been overall pleased with how we have played in the non-conference matches. I think the performances have been excellent, but we have let a couple of them get away from us that we shouldn't have," added Macdonald. "It is going to be a challenge going in to the ASUN and a tough opening weekend."
Both matches will be available on ESPN+.
