Bluffton, SC— The USCB women's soccer team relied on organized defense and counter attacks to take No. 8 Keiser University to double overtime Saturday afternoon before falling just a few minutes short of earning the draw.
The Sand Sharks broke through first and took the lead in the 18th minute when MJ Orduña slipped a pass through the Seahawk back line to find Rileigh Olsen who played a cross to Hayley Piña who found the opposite side of the goal. The Seahawks responded in the 37th minute when Filippa Millqvist found herself one-on-one with Sand Sharks goalkeeper Courtney Sherry. Millqvist placed a shot inside the far post to knot the score at one.
The second half saw a similar game plan from the Sand Sharks who found themselves in the lead again when Elin Sturesson tucked a left-footed shot inside the post off a pass from Hannah Salus. Keiser would strike five minutes later when Emma Holmskov chipped a one-timer over Sherry.
The Seahawks would end the 2nd golden goal overtime period with just over four minutes to play when Riley MacLeod put her 5th goal of the season away after getting around the edge of the back line and placing a shot inside the far post.
About his team's play, Coach Ed Heberling said after the game, "I'm extremely proud of the girls today. This was truly a team effort, and we fought hard. It is disappointing to lose, but we have a great foundation to build from after our play today."
The Sand Sharks are next in action this Wednesday at 4 p.m. when they play host to Sun Conference opponent Warner University (Fla.). The Royals also played this afternoon at rival Webber University (Fla.) where they suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Warriors.
