Buffalo, N.Y. -- The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women's soccer team was able to build a 2-goal halftime lead against Medaille on Wednesday night but saw their hosts battle back to earn a 3-3 draw in the AMCC match-up.
The Panthers were able to get on the board first in the contest as Katie Anderton opened the game with a strong solo effort. In the 13th minute, Anderton pressed the Medaille backline and was able to nick the ball away after a loose touch from a Maverick defender. Anderton controller the ball and dribbled toward goal where she slid a left-footed shot into the far corner to put the Panthers up one.
Pitt-Bradford doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute. The Panthers a touch pass from Natalya Ryckman to set Kimberly Goodwin down the right-wing behind the defense. Goodwin unleashed a right-footed cross towards the edge of the 6-yard box. Cassidy King was able to reach the cross, and take a one-time shot into the upper right corner to put the Panthers up 2-0. Emily Bethel made two late saves to bring her first-half total to 9 and maintain the two-goal lead at the half.
After the break, the Mavericks turned up the pressure, forcing Bethel into four more saves in the first 15 minutes. The hosts were able to cut into the lead just after the 59-minute mark on a putback effort. They continued to pressure the Panthers and tied the game 12 minutes later.
The Panthers did not stay down after seeing their lead disappear, as they were able to go back ahead of Medaille 45 seconds later. After pushing the ball into the corner, the Panthers forced the hosts into a turnover on the edge of the 18-yard box. Anderton played a speculative ball towards goal, where it was misplayed by the Medaille defense and rolled into the goal to put the Panthers up 3-2 with under twenty minutes to go.
The Panthers tried to hold onto the lead against the Mavericks, but a missed clearance attempt led to a foul inside the penalty area, awarding the hosts with a spot kick. The Mavericks were able to convert the penalty with under 3 minutes to play to send the game into extra time.
In Overtime, the Panthers were able to take 5 shots and put 3 of them on goal but were unable to find the net for a fourth time, ending the game in a 3-3 draw.
Anderton's two goals bring her season tally to 3. King also scored her third goal of the season. Kimberly Goodwin picked up an assist on King's strike, the first of her Pitt-Bradford career. Emily Goetz took 8 shots for the Panthers and put 6 on target. Emily Bethel made 19 saves in the match, a new career-high.
The Panthers (0-13-2, 0-6-1 AMCC) will be back on the road for their final AMCC game of the season on Saturday. They will take on Pitt-Greensburg with the game kicking off at 1:00 p.m.
