Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Eastern Washington
McCoy Lifts 'Cats to Overtime Win
10/12/2008 6:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
CHENEY, Wash. -- Senior midfielder Hayley McCoy scored a pair of goals to lead Weber State to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Eastern Washington on Sunday afternoon.
McCoy helped the Wildcats (5-6-2 overall; 2-0 Big Sky) jump on the Eagles early, netting a ball to the bottom right corner of the net just two minutes and 27 seconds into the match. Kelly Robinson and Shaylee Hyde teamed up for a double assist on the play. The assist by Hyde marks the third straight season that she has contributed a goal or assist in a one-goal win over EWU (2-8-3; 0-1-1).
The Eagles immediately pushed for the equalizer and ended up out-shooting the Wildcats 11-6 during the opening 45 minutes of the contest. That pressure paid off in the 35th minute as Lauren Koelzer got the Eastern Washington side even, stealing the ball from the Wildcat defense and beating WSU goalkeeper Rebecca Ritchie for her sixth goal of the season.
The Wildcats regrouped at halftime and came back to post a 15-9 advantage in shots for the remainder of the match. WSU was unable to break through in regulation play, or in the first overtime.
In the 76th minute, the Eagles lost their head coach George Hagaege, who was red-carded for foul language.
In the second overtime, the 'Cats looked to have the break they needed to end the match as an EWU foul in the box led to a penalty kick. EWU goalkeeper Ashley Renz denied Weber State with a diving attempt to turn away McCoy's shot at the left post. The ball remained in play and a scrum ensued in front of the Eagles' net, resulting in two more bookings. EWU's Hannah Kreminski was sent off with a red card for violent conduct. Hyde received a yellow card on the play for unsporting behavior.
With 12 seconds left on the clock, McCoy put away her second tally of the match--her fourth of the season-- to give the Wildcats the win. The clutch goal turned a one-point draw result into three crucial road points to keep the Wildcats atop the Big Sky standings after the opening weekend of league play.
The Wildcats will remain on the road for their next two matches as they make the Northern Colorado, Northern Arizona trip. WSU will take on the Lumberjacks on Friday, Oct. 17 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Flagstaff, Ariz. The 'Cats will then face the Bears on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3:00 p.m. in Greeley, Colo.
