Merlo's Late Goal Leads Women's Soccer to 1-1 Double-Overtime Tie Against Akron

by YSU

Monday, Sep 9, 2013 6:08 am

Youngstown, Ohio -- Sophomore Nicolette Merlo scored her first career with just 11:09 left in regulation and the Youngstown State women's soccer team salvaged a 1-1 double overtime tie against Akron, Friday, at Farmers National Bank Field.

With the tie, the Penguins move to 1-3-1 overall and the Zips move to 2-1-2 overall.

Akron's Lani Smith put the Zips ahead 1-0 in the 16th minute from an assist from Sarah Sivic.

Althought the Penguins had just as many total shots as the Zips, 6-6, and took more shots on goal, 3-2, in the first half, the Penguins were shutout in the first 45 minutes of play.

The Zips continue to pressure the Penguins' defense with eight second-half shots and three shots on goal, but YSU goalkeeper Jackie Podolsky staved off each attempt. Podolsky finished the game with five saves.

At the 78:51 mark, Merlo drilled a rebound from 20-yards out past Akron's Klaire Adee to knot the game at 1-1 and force overtime.

Merlo's goal energized the Penguins in the first extra period as the Penguins hammered three close range shots in the first six minutes, but could not capitalize. Chelsey Haney's blast at the 91:35 was blocked; Kathy Baquero's shot at the 94:26 mark was saved by Adee; and Karlee Kline's shot from the left wing with at 96:19 sailed just wide right.

The Penguins host Robert Morris, Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Farmers National Bank Field. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.

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