Eureka Falls Short to Alverno in Double Overtime Thriller, 2-1
EUREKA – The Eureka women's soccer team nearly went the distance and came out on top against Alverno on a warm evening under the lights of McKinzie Field Friday night.
The Red Devils battled Alverno to a 1-1 stalemate until Muriah Alejandrino scored the golden goal on a counterattack with 1:19 remaining in the second half of extra time, claiming a 2-1 win for the Inferno in dramatic fashion.
It wasn't the result the Red Devils wanted, but the team put on a thrilling show for its home fans and showed signs of vast improvement from years past.
EC notched 17 shots, put 12 on frame and scored one goal – an equalizer in the 40th minute by freshman Alyssa Bryant (Peoria, Ill./Richwoods)
Less than two minutes earlier, the Red Devils had an even better chance to score after Madison Shines (Marengo, Ill./Marengo) was knocked down in the box. However, junior midfielder Daniela Gonzales' (Peoria, Ill./Richwoods/Lincoln) penalty kick attempt was denied with a save by goalkeeper Kenzie Bermudez.
Trailing 1-0 with halftime approaching, the Red Devils scored after a free kick outside the left side of the box. Senior midfielder Lindsey Johnston sent it into the six, the goalkeeper punched it out – knocking down scrappy EC newcomer Mackenzie Daniels (Monticello, Ill./Monticello) in the process – and Madison Shines was first to the ball in the scrum. She kicked it off the keeper and right to Bryant, who put it away for a goal in her collegiate debut.
The goal was momentum-changer that carried into the second half.
In the second 45 minutes of play, the Red Devils the aggressors, scrapping for the ball in the midfield and working its way into the final third to create chances.
The team had three breakaway opportunities in the second half, but none came to fruition.
Senior Olivia Falls (Bloomington, Ill./Bloomington) man-marked Alverno striker Shay Wolfe for much of the time and the back line of Falls, Kayla Enochs (Greenfield, Ind./Central Greenfield), Michaela Mall (Princeton, Ill./Princeton) and Hope Binder (Bartonville, Ill./Limestone) consistently caught the Inferno in an offside position to curtail their attacks.
Wolfe put the Inferno on the board 10 minutes into the match after Wolfe got loose on a through ball, Falls and the EC defense did their best to keep her close the rest of the way.
Goalkeeper Abby Swope (Canton, Ill./Canton) was assertive, athletic and disciplined in goal for most of the night, recording 11 saves on 13 chances.
The Red Devils were right there the whole night, inches away from victory in regulation and just over a minute away from a hard-earned draw. Even with the heartbreaking loss, it's not hard to imagine them being on the other end of something like this soon.
