By Davis Gregory, UT Martin Sports Information
HUNTSVILLE, Ala.- After a chaotic final three minutes, the University of Tennessee at Martin soccer team came out on top to defeat Alabama A&M on the road, 2-1.
The host Bulldogs were held scoreless for the majority of the match until they broke through in the 87th minute for the equalizer from Mealing Victoria, tying the score at 1-all.
The Skyhawks (3-4-1) did not sulk and made one final push. Alabama A&M committed a crucial foul in the box on freshman forward Jordan Bailey to give UT Martin a penalty kick opportunity with just 13 seconds remaining in regulation. Graduate midfielder Catey Hunt was tabbed to take the clutch shot for the Skyhawks and netted her second game-winning goal of the season.
Freshman Rachel Okoro found the back of the net for her first collegiate goal to get UT Martin on the scoreboard, taking a perfect feed from fellow newcomer Caroline Moore to break a scoreless tie in the 40th minute. The Skyhawks outshot Alabama A&M (0-6-0) by a 20-14 margin with Izzy Patterson and Brooke Kala tying for the team-high in shots with three apiece. Bailey (one shot on goal), Makayla Robinson, Moore and Abbie McHenry each tallied three attempts while Hunt, Gwen Walters and Okoro ripped a shot on goal apiece.
Poppy Bastock played 81-plus minutes and made a game-high seven saves, matching her season-high from the Aug. 17 triumph over Austin Peay. Freshman Andrea Wie also saw playing time inbetween the posts for UT Martin, helping keep the Bulldogs off the scoreboard until the 87th minute.
“It’s always good to get a win but we made that much more difficult than it needed to be,” Skyhawk head coach Mike Varga said. “We struggled in the second half to find any rhythm and it cost us a goal. Alabama A&M worked hard and kept battling – I give them a lot of credit. Catey stepped up with confidence and converted with a lot of pressure after Jordan drew the penalty. It’s not how we planned it, but we’ll always take a win on the road.”
UT Martin’s next matchup is a visit to in-state rival Memphis, going head-to-head with the No. 14 ranked Tigers for its final nonconference match on Sunday, Sept 17. First touch is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information
