LA Verne, CA — Vanessa Plascensia converted a penalty kick late to tie the game 2-2, Gizzel Sulca scored the difference-maker in overtime, and the University of La Verne women's soccer team erased a two-goal deficit to beat Saint Katherine 3-2.
The Leopards pick up their first win of the year to improve to 1-2. Saint Katherine falls to 1-3.
Final Play
On the Leopards' first real opportunity in the extra period, the Ivana Fatovic let off a long shot from the far corner forcing Firebird keeper Victoria Cavazos to make a leaping save. Sulca rushed in and poked the loose ball in for the golden goal. The game-winner is Sulca's first career goal.
Second Half Comeback
Down 2-0 following a Rae Hernandez goal in the 68th minute, the Leopards picked up their offensive urgency to attempt a comeback.
In the 74th minute Plascensia setup for a corner kick and lofted a pass to the middle of the box. Alina Cobian was ready and headed the ball just past Cavazos' hands to cut the deficit to one.
Ten minutes later, the Leopards got a break when the Firebirds were called for a handball in the box. That brought up Plascensia, setting the junior up to tie the game. Plascensia answered with a hard shot on the ground just past a diving Cavazos to tie the game.
Neither team could find the back of the net in the final minutes, setting up La Verne's exciting overtime finish.
Notables
Hanien Samara finished with three saves in her start. Samantha Corney stepped in for the second half and registered one save.
Next Game
The Leopard play their first road game of the year this Saturday when they face Soka at 1 p.m.
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