ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla.—The Barry Buccaneers overcame an own goal early in the second half to defeat the Flagler Saints 2-1 in women’s soccer action at Saints Field on Sunday.
After a scoreless first half, the Saints (2-2-0) caught a break just over a minute into the second period. After a free kick, the Bucs scored an own goal while trying to head the ball out of danger.
The Bucs (4-0-0) got the equalizer in the 64th minute. Sara Karna lofted a cross into the box. The Saints were unable to clear and eventually Dominique Richardson was able to gain control and slip and shot past keeper Casey Merson.
Just over two minutes later, Lauren Manna had the ball just inside the top of the box and was taken down from behind, setting up a penalty kick. Merson, however, was equal to the task and blocked the shot by Lavinia Nkomo.
Finally, in the 74th minute, Chelsea Stoeckigt sent a ball into the middle of the box and Natalie Diaz’s shot to the top right corner beat Merson for the game-winner.
The Bucs, who held an 18-13 edge in shots, were in control for most of the game. Merson made seven saves, including the penalty, and was helped out by her defense which also swept a ball off the line. Becca Rogers stopped all four shots that the Saints put on target to improve to 4-0 on the season.
The Bucs face off against the Tampa Spartans on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 4:30 pm at Buccaneer Field. The game, part of the plus-4 schedule in the Sunshine State Conference, will not count in the conference standings.
Soccer Game Summary (Final)
2013 Barry University Soccer
Barry vs Flagler (09/15/13 at St. Augustine, Fla.)
Barry (4-0-0) vs. Flagler (2-2-0)
Date: 09/15/13 Attendance: 57
Weather: 86: cloudy; 70% humid; feels likke 95
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
--------------------------------------
Barry........................ 0 2 - 2
Flagler..................... 0 1 - 1
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 46:07 FLG OWN GOAL (unassisted) - own goal, ball headed off defender
2. 63:38 BARRY-W Dominique Richardson (1) (unassisted) - cross in, off Flagler defender, chipped in
3. 73:41 BARRY-W Natalie Diaz (2) (Chelsea Stoeckigt) - Lofted pass to middle box shot in top-right corner of goal
Shots: Barry 18, Flagler 13
Saves: Barry 4 (Becca Rogers 4), Flagler 8 (Casey Merson 7; TEAM 1)