USAO Still Undefeated, Ties NWOSU

CHICKASHA – With 3:28 left to play, USAO’s Destiny Rachal got a clean look at the net and the game-winning goal. Rachel’s kick got past the goalkeeper but found the crossbar and bounced away.

Two more overtime periods couldn’t decide a winner in the University of Science and Arts’ 1-1 tie against Northwestern Oklahoma on Tuesday. The Drovers’ undefeated streak stayed alive, but the winning streak came to an end in the Sooner Athletic Conference opener. USAO is now 4-0-1, 0-0-1.

NWOSU controlled the action in the first half using the helping wind, but USAO and Rachal, while in goal, turned away shot after shot posting a 0-0 halftime score.

NWOSU did get on the board first early in the second half. Erika Liechti gave the Rangers a 1-0 lead in the 48th minute assisted by Amy Scheuerman.

It took until the 73rd minute before USAO could answer. Amanda Caldiera scored from Jessie Brown, and the Drovers got new life and enthusiasm.

NWOSU was scrambling to clear the ball out of it end, but USAO kept attacking. Rachal came into the game as a forward and got off three of four shots for the Drovers in the final minutes. Caldiera got another good look with 12 minutes left, but NWOSU’s Sierra Willard preserved the tie with one of her four stops.

In overtime, shots by Connie Perez, Alex Cernigliaro and Rachal were turned away, and neither team got off a shot on goal in the second overtime.

USAO continues SAC play this week on the road Thursday at St. Gregory’s and Saturday at John Brown.

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