Loggers rally to catch rival Lutes in overtime draw

TACOMA, Wash. – (Logger Athletics report) The Puget Sound women’s soccer team found itself in an early hole but climbed back in the second half for a 2-2 draw with crosstown rival Pacific Lutheran. The Loggers (1-2-1, 0-0-1) scored two goals late in the second half to force overtime but couldn’t find the game-winner in the extra 20 minutes.

Over 50 match photos from Jeff Halstead at Facebook.com/goalWA.

Lauren Larson shocked the Loggers early in first half as she took advantage of a breakaway opportunity for an early 1-0 lead in the seventh minute. She struck again in the 15th minute as she buried a shot from the top of the 18-yard box on a cross from Hannah Bush.

The Lute’s #18 Mariah Rasmussen slides on defense during a Loggers attack. (Jeff Halstead)

The Loggers controlled possession through most of the 110 minutes of play but the Lutes (2-0-1, 0-0-1 NWC) needed just the two opportunities to force a draw, which was the first time in 27 chances that the Lutes have not lost to their rivals.

In the end, the shot count favored the Loggers by a margin of 28-1, including a 9-5 advantage in shots on goal. Kara Merfeld made four saves in the second half to help the Loggers maintain the tie while allowing no goals.

The Loggers finally were able to put a goal on the board in the 71st minute when Amalia Acorda-Fey scored her fourth goal of the season as she headed in a corner kick. Robin Vieira found the back of the net in the 83rd minute to tie up the match at 2-2. Theresa Henle’s cross found its way all the way through the box to the back post where Vieira swiftly knocked it into the goal.

Logger #16 Rosie Jaye and Lute #19 Erica Boyle jump for the header. (Jeff Halstead)

In overtime, the Loggers came within inches of a victory as Rosie Jaye’s shot banked off the far post and directly back into the waiting arms of the Lutes’ keeper Marissa Gonzalez. Gonzalez made several tough saves and tallied nine total saves in the match.

The Loggers are back in Baker Stadium on Saturday to host George Fox at noon.

#24 Nicoya Benham-Marin battles #25 Haley Rosenberg. (Jeff Halstead)

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