THE JUNGLE - MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile's Women's Soccer team clinched a spot in the semifinals of the SSAC Women's Soccer Championship Tournament on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 31, defeating Thomas University (Ga.) in penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw after double overtime.
The shootout win for the Rams sends Mobile to Montgomery, Ala. next week for the semifinals of this year's conference tournament, with the team sporting a 9-5-3 overall record.
How It Happened
The match remained scoreless through a defensive first half, but Mobile's Olivia Quiroz finally broke the deadlock early in the second half with a goal in the 47th minute, assisted by Raegan Latiolais and Becca Ryan. The goal for Quiroz is her first of the season after the talented junior midfielder has battled injuries throughout the early part of the 2024 season.
With time ticking down, Thomas' Kaitlyn Herb tallied the equalizer in the 86th minute, assisted by Sasha Manders, tying the match 1-1 and eventually forcing overtime. Despite multiple opportunities for both teams in OT, neither team was able to score during the extra time across two overtime periods as the match was decided on penalty kicks.
Mobile players remained composed throughout the penalty shootout, going five-for-five with key makes from Jil Hellerforth, Kaitlyn Skrove, Carla Saborido, Trinity Barden, and Bailey Bronner. Mobile goalkeeper Ebba Elweroth came up with a clutch save during the shootout as Thomas was only able to convert four of five opportunities, leading to elimination and allowing Mobile to advance in the conference tournament.
Throughout the full 110 minutes prior to the penalty shootout, Thomas out-shot Mobile 32-17, with 14 shots being recorded on goal. Ebba Elweroth was a force in net all afternoon, however, ending the first-round matchup with 13 saves. Meanwhile, eight of Mobile's 17 shots were recorded on target, with Raegan Latiolais leading the way with five shots.
Semifinals Set for Next Week
Mobile keeps the 2024 season rolling next Thursday, Nov. 7, facing the winner of UT-Southern (Tenn.) v. Faulkner (Ala.) in a semifinal match at the Emory-Folmar YMCA Complex in Montgomery, Ala. Next Thursday's match is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. CT and will be aired live on SSAC.TV.
FOLLOW THE RAMS
For complete coverage of the University of Mobile Athletics, follow the Rams on social media at /MobileRams (Facebook), @UMobileRams ("X" FKA Twitter), and @umobilerams (Instagram), or visit the official home of the University of Mobile Athletic Department at https://umobilerams.com/.
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.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
