CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University women's soccer team battled a nationally recognized opponent to a draw on Saturday, playing Montevallo—receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Poll—to a 1-1 tie at Delta Field.
The Lady Statesmen (3-3-3, 2-1-2 GSC) found a late breakthrough in the 84th minute when
Caroline Chandler netted her third goal of the season off an assist from
Emma Earwood. The lead was short-lived, however, as Montevallo answered just 42 seconds later with the equalizer to even the match at 1-1.
Despite being outshot 20-8, Delta State's defense and goalkeeper
Kim Bircher held firm throughout the contest. Bircher recorded 10 saves on the afternoon, including several key stops to keep the Lady Statesmen within striking distance.
Montevallo controlled much of the attacking play, holding a 61% possession advantage and earning 11 corner kicks, but Delta State capitalized on one of its limited opportunities late in the second half.
Chandler led the Lady Statesmen with the lone goal, while Earwood added the assist. Defensively, the back line, anchored by
Millie Jebb-Geer and
Lola Cunningham, helped weather constant pressure from the Falcons' attack.
Delta State continues Gulf South Conference play next time out as the Lady Statesmen travel to the Music City next weekend to take on the Trojans from Trevecca Nazarene University.
