Friday, October 03, 2008

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (October 3, 2008) - Riding the sizzling play of goalkeeper Katie Shelton the Lipscomb University women's soccer team defeated ETSU 1-0, in overtime Friday afternoon at Summers-Taylor Stadium. ETSU drops to 3-6 overall and 1-2 in Atlantic Sun Conference play, while the Bisons improve to 3-7-1 and 1-2 in league action.

In their first home match in almost a month the Bucs looked strong early. ETSU junior forward Jordan Monty (Mesquite, Texas) appeared to have scored the first goal of the match; however the Bucs were called for being offside during the play. The Bucs continued their offensive attack throughout the first half, however Shelton, which is the reigning "A-Sun Defensive Player of the Year," turned away every Buccaneer shot.

"She's a very good goalkeeper," said head coach Heather Henson. "She keeps Lipscomb in a lot of matches. Ever since her freshman season Katie has been outstanding in our conference. She doesn't allow teams to get an early first half goal most matches and that can be a very frustrating for your offense. Because of her play we weren't able to maintain momentum throughout the match which kept Lipscomb's offense within striking range."

As in the first half the Bucs outshot the Bisons 11-5 in the second frame, nevertheless Shelton would again deny every Buccaneer chance, leaving both squads in a scoreless tie at the end of regulation.

As the overtime period progressed Monty fired a shot from 15-yards out that went just high of the goal. Then with less then three minutes remaining in the golden-goal period Lipscomb would take advantage off an ETSU foul. On the ensuing free kick the Bisons' Kate Spellman founded Brandi Besheres for the game-winning goal in the 98th minute.

Overall the Bucs outshot the Bisons 21-9, while amassing a 5-4 advantage in corner kicks.

"Whenever you can outshoot an opponent its frustrating when you don't come out with a win," said Henson. "In soccer you have to create and take advantage of the opportunities given to you. Between those chances you have to convert. In order to step-up and get to that next level we have to learn to keep our composure and finish when we get around the net."

ETSU returns to action as they host league-leading Belmont Sunday at 3:30 p.m., at Summers-Taylor Stadium.

"We've been here before and you have to battle out of it," said Henson. "Sunday is going to be a critical game for our team. We have the ability to make a run in this conference, but to have a chance we must get down to business against Belmont."

For more information on ETSU women's soccer visit www.ETSUBUCS.com or www.AtlanticSun.org.