Two Late Catholic Goals Upend Women’s Soccer in Overtime Heartbreaker, 2-1

TOWSON, Md. - Goucher College sophomore goalie Christina Charikofsky (Eldersburg, Md.) was dazzling yet again in between the pipes for the Gophers, making 11 saves, but visiting Catholic came back from a late one-goal deficit to take a 2-1 win in overtime on Wednesday night at Beldon Field.

With the tough loss, the Gophers fell to 4-5-3 overall and 0-2-2 in the Landmark Conference. Meanwhile, Catholic improved to 7-3-3 and 2-1-1 in the Landmark with the win.

To open the contest, the Gophers came out energized, taking a pair of shots in the first 10 minutes of play.

In the 12th minute, senior Theresa Antkowiak-Tassone (Towson, Md.) lined up a shot from just outside the box off a pass from fellow senior Camryn Mackey (Washington, D.C.). Antkowiak-Tassone's strike proceeded to land right into the high left side of the net, giving Goucher the early 1-0 lead. The goal was the second of the season for Antkowiak-Tassone, and the 12th of her career.

That lead would hold for the Gophers for the next 72 minutes, as the Goucher defense was on their game from the opening whistle. In particular, Charikofsky was incredible, making five saves in the first half, and four more in the second to keep Catholic off the board for 83 minutes.

But, in the 84th minute, the Cardinals finally converted a scoring chance, as Elizabeth Johnson scored to tie the match up at 1-1. To end regulation, the Gophers fired a few shots near goal, but could not connect, sending the match to overtime.

In the extra frame, Charikofsky made two more saves to keep the Gophers alive. But, in the 96th minute, a Catholic cross was knocked into the net by a Goucher defender, giving the visiting Cardinals the 2-1 win.

Overall, Catholic held a wide edge on shots over Goucher (22-6) and corner kicks (8-1). In a losing effort, Charikofsky matched a career-high with her 11-save evening.

The Goucher College women's soccer team returns to action on Saturday, as they host Susquehanna in another Landmark Conference home match. Action gets underway at 4 p.m.

--GOPHERS--