PHILADELPHIA – Kiery Spatz converted a penalty kick with 2:42 left to play to salvage a 2-2 tie for the Thomas Jefferson University women's soccer team (6-3-1, 5-0-1 CACC) against Bridgeport (5-3-3, 4-0-2 CACC).
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Rams took a 1-0 lead on the first shot of the game in the seventh minute. Jefferson was awarded a free kick just outside the box on the left side.
Jeena Pressley took the kick and sent a low, seeing-eye shot through traffic and into the right side of the cage.
The Rams recorded the next two shots in succession but both were stopped by the goalkeeper. The Purple Knights countered with three shots and scored the equalizer in the 29
th minute. Jefferson controlled play for the remainder of the half, outshooting Bridgeport 4-0, but the teams remained level into halftime.
The Rams continued the pressure into the second half, registering the first three shots including one that was cleared out of the goal mouth by the defense. The Purple Knights answered with four of the next five shots and four corner kicks, out of which came the go-ahead goal in the 77
th minute. Bridgeport headed in a corner just inside the right post for a 2-1 advantage.
With time winding down, Jefferson pressed to get a shot off in the hope of tying the score but could not do so. However, a handball in the box gave the Rams a penalty kick and the opportunity they needed. Spatz deposited the shot into the bottom left corner to bring the Rams even. Jefferson was able to get off another shot in the final seconds but it was turned away by the goalie.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Shots: Jefferson, 13-7
Shots on Goal: Jefferson, 9-5
Saves: Bridgeport, 7-3
Corner Kicks: Bridgeport, 5-1
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Jeena Pressley: 1 goal, 3 shots, 2 on goal
Kiery Spatz: 1 goal, 2 shots, 1 on goal
Nikki Dedes: 2 shots, 2 on goal
Mia Ferrara: 2 shots, 2 on goal
Jaclyn Martino: 3 saves
NOTES
- Jefferson is 5-0-1 in its last six games.
- The Rams stretched their unbeaten streak in their Homecoming game to 18 (inferred based on available records but unconfirmed).
- The tie plus Post's lost to Georgian Court gave Jefferson sole possession of first place in the CACC.
UP NEXT
Jefferson takes on Molloy at home on Wednesday, October 5
th for a 4 p.m. non-conference game.