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MARTIN, Tenn. –
Sarah Rusk scored her first career goal, tying the match early in the second half, but Tennessee-Martin got a golden goal from Sophie Sox in the 95th minute to defeat Eastern Illinois women's soccer 2-1 in overtime Friday afternoon at Skyhawk Field.
The loss was EIU's first against UTM in 12 all-time meetings. The last two meetings in the city of Martin have ended on an overtime game-winner.
Kathleen Hayes provided the heroics for EIU in 2005.
The Panthers put 12 of their 15 shots on goal, but UT Martin goalkeeper Johanna Rathbun made eight saves and got some help from her teammates.
Michelle Steinhaus,
Pam Melinauskas and Hayes each had a shot on goal kept out of the net by a UTM field player, stops that go into the record book as team saves.
“Today's game was a day of missed opportunities,” EIU head coach
Tim Nowak said. “We put together numerous quality scoring chances. You have to give Martin credit; they cleared three balls off their goal line. We had some other chances and just didn't capitalize or finish the play. It was hard-fought game by both teams and a good game.”
It was a rebound off Hayes' shot in the 60th minute that led to Rusk's goal. She corralled the ball on the left flank and hit a blast from 20 yards out that found its way into the back of the net. Rusk is the third member of EIU's freshman class to score this season.
However, Cox won the game with 5:30 remaining in the first overtime period with a blast from 25 yards out.
Tennessee-Martin (9-4-2, 4-1-2 OVC) scored the game's first goal on a penalty kick by Stephanie Nilicia in the 35th minute. The PK was granted after
Caitlyn Eisenhauer was whistled for a foul in the penalty box.
The overtime loss is EIU's first since falling at Samford by the exact same score on Oct. 20, 2006.
The Panthers return to action Sunday for a 1 p.m. game at Murray State.
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Ben Turner, Asst. SID
