By Jayden Berkin, Sports Journalist
The UNC Pembroke women’s soccer team took on the Mount Olive Trojans in a Conference Carolinas clash. Down late the Braves used momentum to make it a one goal game and responded again within minutes in a second half resurgence to draw Mount Olive 3-3.
Down 3-2 with time expiring on the clock Bea Vazquez found the foot of llaya Bigford off a corner kick to net it past the goalie to tie the match in the 89th minute. The Trojans had one more shot but couldn’t get anything off in time as the match ended in a draw. The Braves had a total 27 shots the second most in a game this season.
In the first half the Trojans struck first in the courtesy of Makenna Copley off an assist by Tianna Hill in the 12th minute to make it 1-0 MO. The Braves responded in the 24th minute to tie it at 1-1 on a Penalty Kick by Anna Grossheim. The Trojans answered back minutes later when Olivia Womack found the back of the net to give the Trojans the 2-1 lead heading into the half. The Trojans extended their lead in the 68th minute on a Copley goal. The Braves immediately responded to make it a 3-2 game when Grossheim found Mercy Bell for a perfectly placed kick to cut the deficit and lead up to that final goal.
“I’m disappointed that we drew the game, I felt like we deserved better, and we had all of the play really in the second half even though we gave up another set piece which is beginning to become an issue for us. But scoring an equalizer goal to tie the match is something to be proud of but there is some work to be done,” UNCP coach Lars Anderson said.
Grossheim recorded eight shots on the day with four shots on goal along with a goal and assist. Bell finished with five shots with four being on goal, while also scoring a goal of her own. Bigford had two shots with both being shots on goals and tallied the tying goal to force the draw.
“We gotta do the little things right, there are some minor tweaks to be made but I trust that we can make those but overall, a positive message to my team,” Anderson said.
The Braves (3-3-1, 2-1-1 CC) will return Wednesday at home as they host Barton (1-1-2, 1,0,1 CC). It is also Military Appreciation Night with kickoff set for 7 p.m.