Aug. 31, 2007
Box Score
DEKALB, Ill. - A goal by Navy senior forward Brigitte Fox (La Mesa, Calif.) in the 66th minute forced the Mids and the Iowa Hawkeyes into overtime Friday afternoon in both teams' women's soccer season-opener. Despite a pair of shots by the Mids in the second overtime period and a missed opportunity by Iowa, the game ended in 1-1 tie.
"I was happy that the team played better and better as the game progressed," said Navy head coach Carin Gabarra. "We played a quality team this afternoon and to come from behind in the season opener and play with composure is a tribute to our team."
Iowa wasted little time in taking the early advantage when Kelsey Shaw fired in her first goal of the season in the 10th minute. The play originated from a Hawkeye corner kick that was nicely cleared by the Midshipmen. However, Shaw was able to gain control of the ball and looked to redirect, but instead took a shot from the right side of the box, surprising the Mids.
The Hawkeyes went on to take six shots in the opening half, while holding the Midshipmen to just a pair of shots, one of the two on goal.
Navy turned the tables in the second half where the Mids outshot Iowa, 7-3, putting five shots on goal.
Junior Jenn Dunbar (Crofton, Md.) hit Fox's feet from 30 yards back and Fox was able to hold off her defender and turn the play into a breakaway. Fox found of the back of the net from 14 yards out.
Navy is now 8-6-1 in season openers and 1-5-1 against opponents from the Big Ten conference.
The Midshipmen return to action on Sunday when they face IUPUI at 2:00 pm (Eastern) in the final game of the Northern Illinois Tournament. Navy opens the home portion of its schedule on Tuesday when the Mids play host to Saint Peter's at 7:00 pm at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility.
