MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Women's Soccer team returned to action at home on Thursday, Oct. 14 with an evening match against non-conference opponent Georgia Gwinnett College. Thursday's match was the seventh meeting between the two programs in their history, with Mobile winning the first three meetings against the Grizzlies. The first meeting between the two teams dates back to the 2014 season. The previous three meetings has seen the Grizzlies come out on top. Thursday night's match ended in a double-overtime tie, 2-2.
Despite a strong start in the first half for Mobile, Georgia Gwinnett managed to get the scoring started with a goal in the 31st minute. From there, the Grizzlies defense would hold the Rams scoreless in the first half despite several Mobile shots late in the half. Both teams took a total of six shots in the first half with Georgia Gwinnett's goal in the 31st minute being the lone goal of the half.
Coming out of halftime, the Rams managed to score an equalizing goal in the 65th minute. Senior forward Alexis Knott scored the goal for Mobile off a cross pass from Mia Mugford. For Knott, the equalizing goal was her first career collegiate goal scored. Teammates surrounded her following the goal and the crowd erupted as Knott has been a fan favorite during her time at the University of Mobile.
Later in the match, midfielder and one of the captains for Mobile, Anakah Madril, gave the Rams the lead for the first time in the match following a strike for a goal from outside of the box. Madril's goal came in the 80th minute, just 10 minutes left to be played. Maria Eduards Rocha Bento was awarded the assist.Â
Mobile's defense played tough late in the match, bidding for an upset win over Georgia Gwinnett at home. However, with under four minutes to be played, Georgia Gwinnett was awarded a free kick off a foul from outside of the box that set up the equalizing goal for the Grizzlies in the 86th minute. The initial shot ricocheted off several players and even the crossbar before bouncing in the net. From there, the Rams and Grizzlies went to overtime.Â
In the first overtime, Georgia Gwinnett managed one shot during the 10-minute overtime which ended up being the only shot taken. Mobile and Georgia Gwinnett went to double-overtime still tied at two goals a piece.Â
In double-overtime, Mobile had a couple of early chances, including a shot from Mia Mugford that hit the crossbar, but did not result in a goal. Both teams could not manage to hit the scoreboard and Thursday night's match ended in a 2-2 tie.
The Grizzlies out-shot the Rams Thursday night, 19-14. They had six shots-on-goal while Mobile recorded four shots-on-goal. Starting goalkeeper for Mobile Payton Lewis managed four saves in the win, with two coming in double-overtime.Â
Thursday's tie moves Mobile's overall season record to 1-10-2 on the year. Meanwhile, Georgia Gwinnett saw their overall record move to 8-5-1 on the season. The Rams will return to conference play next Thursday for their next scheduled match as they travel to Talladega, Ala. for an afternoon match against Talladega College. Next week's conference match is the first meeting between the two programs in their history. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CT on Oct. 21.
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About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
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