COLUMBUS, Ohio - It appeared as though the Ohio Dominican women's soccer team was headed to a second straight home overtime game, but junior forward Sierra Patterson's (Brecksville, OH; pictured) goal in the 79th minute gave the Panthers the regulation time victory over the visiting Storm of Lake Erie College.
ODU came out firing to start the game, rattling off 12 shots in the first half, but failed to capitalize on any of the scoring opportunities.
The Panthers dialed up the intensity in the second, but it was not until a perfectly placed pass up the middle from Marie Fudacz (Jr./Toledo, OH), sent into the upper left of the net by a streaking Patterson in the 79th minute of the second half, that the Panthers would finally break the scoreless tie.
Patterson is the fourth different Panther to record a goal this season, while Fudacz is the fourth different player to assist on a score.
For the match, ODU outshot the Storm 25-4, including 13-0 in the second stanza, and posted a 13-3 advantage on corners.
Freshman Brooke Klopschinski (Alta Loma, CA) made her first career start in the net, recording three saves for the Panthers.
"Despite the frustation for a lack of goals, the girls continue to play hard and keep their intensity level high," stated head coach Jonathan Meade, who picked up his 150th career win in the college ranks with the decision. "Eventually the goals will start to come, but our defense will continue to keep us in the game."
With their fourth 1-0 decision of the season, ODU improves to 4-1-1 and 2-1-1 in GLIAC play, while Lake Erie falls to 2-4-0 and 0-4 in conference play. The Panthers return action at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24 as they hit the road to take on the Tiffin Dragons. Lake Erie continues its road swing with a trip to defending national champion Grand Valley State at 4 p.m. on Friday.
