Gophers, Pioneers Battle Through 2 OTs to 0-0 Draw

TOWSON, Md. — Goucher had the best chance and also the final opportunity to score in today's game on Beldon Field against William Paterson. Each one occurred in the final two minutes of the second overtime period.

Prior to that, the Pioneers owned a 9-7 advantage in shots during the first 90 minutes as regulation ended with the two teams deadlocked at 0-0. The visitors also got off the only shot in the first 10-minute extra session, but it was stopped by Lexi Rudolph (Kensington, Md./Our Lady of Good Counsel), a junior making her first start in goal for the Gophers since 2012.

Goucher responded with the only three shots in the second OT. The first was by Gaby Davis (New York, N.Y./LaGuardia) and it went wide. Just over a minute later, Samantha Turner (Vineland, N.J./Vineland) ripped a shot from around 20 yards out that appeared at first to have a chance at making it in under the crossbar, but it sailed high.

There were just 16 seconds remaining when Lindsey Puopolo (Glen Arm, Md./St. Timothy's) took the final shot of the contest for the Gophers. It was on goal, but handled by the opposing keeper to seal the scoreless draw.

Puopolo accounted for four of Goucher's final total of 10 shots and three of her attempts were on goal.

The Pioneers (0-0-1) were also credited with 10 shots.

Rudolph, who missed the entire 2013 season due to injury, finished with five saves to earn the fifth shutout of her collegiate career.

This was the first meeting between Goucher and William Paterson in the sport of women's soccer.

The Gophers (0-0-1) won't have a long wait until their next game as they return to action Saturday at 1 p.m. on Beldon Field against Eastern Mennonite.