In spite of controlling the match in every statistical category, the Spring Arbor University women's soccer team came out on the bottom end of a double overtime 2-1 loss against Madonna University on the road in Livonia, Michigan over the weekend.
Spring Arbor owned a 14-6 bulge in shots on goal and a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks, but could only slip one effort by the Crusaders goalkeeper Brittany Warner during the match.
Playing on a rough, water saturated field proved to be a challenge for the Lady Cougars, but the ladies generated several quality chances regardless, including a shot off the cross bar from freshman Braydan Wiles in the opening minutes of the match.
It was Madonna who would take advantage of the first break however, when a ball skipped over the foot of one of SAU's central defenders. The Crusader's top forward Jessica Austin was quick to make the guests pay for their misfortune as she picked up the loose ball and sent a low shot to the left corner by first half Spring Arbor net-minder Christina Riske late in the first half.
The Cougars would equalize shortly after the intermission when Jessica Clarke found sophomore Jalese DeBiasi at the top of the box. DeBiasi's right footed effort beat Warner to the top right corner of the net to tie the score.
SAU continued to pressure the Madonna goal area and the Lady Cougars fired off 12 shots in the second stanza, compared to just six from the hosts. Narrow misses and big saves from Warner were the story of the day however, as Madonna was able to hang in there until a counter attack in the final two minutes of the second overtime period changed everything.
Austin made a run with the ball up the left flank of the field where she was met by Spring Arbor defender Rachel Sinkovitz. After a heavy touch away from goal, Austin whirled and in one motion launched a shot from around 25 yards in the direction of the Cougar goal. The effort got over the top of a surprised Flo Atar who was minding the Spring Arbor net in the second half and found the upper right corner for the game winner.
In a very physical contest, Madonna was able to edge Spring Arbor on the stat sheet in the foul category, as the hosts were whistled for nine infractions and the Lady Cougars were found guilty six times.
"We have to finish our chances better," commented SAU head coach Jason Crist. "We played very well today and controlled this match, but we have to take advantage of the quality looks that we have been creating. Playing tough competition will make us better for a strong conference run, but we have to be able to find the goal when we really need it."
Five of the Cougar's non-conference opponents to date have either been ranked within the NAIA Top 25 this season or are receiving votes in the same poll.
Spring Arbor is back in action on Saturday when they travel to Chicago, IL to take on Trinity International University.
