Gophers Sneak by Monarchs Via PK in OT

TOWSON, Md.- Goucher College women's soccer (1-0-1, Landmark 0-0-0) won its first game of the 2017 season in style, with a penalty kick in overtime Saturday afternoon to defeat Methodist, 3-2.

The Gophers found the back of the net early with a goal from junior Theresa Antkowiak-Tassone (Towson, Md.) 3:51 into the game. The goal marked Antkowiak-Tassone's first goal of the season.

Both teams went back in forth in shots for the remainder of the half.

Goucher struck twine three minutes into the second half after sophomore Isabel Suazo (Brooklyn, N.Y.) cleaned up a loose ball off the post to put the Gophers up 2-0. First-year Syd Benedick (Fort Loudon, Pa.) earned the assist following an attempt of her own that ricocheted off the post toward the open mouth of the goal.

Methodist answered back in the final ten minutes when first-year Capri Clark scored two goals to tie up the game. With some close shots from both sides, the game moved into overtime.

Four minutes into OT Goucher was awarded a penalty kick after Suazo barreled into the box and was taken out by the opposing keeper. Junior Christina Yarrish (Hummelstown, Pa.) rifled the ball into the top left corner to seal the game for the Gophers while the rest of the team poured onto the field.

Freshman goalkeeper Christina Charikofsky (Eldersburg, Md.) saved eight of the 10 shots she faced.

Senior Bri Hite (Port Republic, Md.) said laughing with a big smile, "I'm really happy we won today, especially in OT. It was a great first win for Coach Ricketts because we made her sweat a bit."

The Gophers return to the field Wednesday when they travel to Aston, Pa. to play Neumann at 4 pm.