Chanda Provides Heroics as Eagles Win in OT
WILMORE, Ky. – Samantha Chanda gave the Eagles their first home win of the season with her first goal of the season in the 108th minute on Thursday, defeating Cincinnati Christian 2-1 in double overtime.
The Eagles took the first lead of the game in the 51st minute as Meredith Ury knocked home her second goal of the season. Sloane Salisbury provided the assist, playing a ball off a CCU clear attempt from midfield up to Ury who had gotten behind the back line. One-on-one with the keeper, Ury was able to beat her to the near post for the game’s first goal.
CCU (8-5, 2-1 KIAC) answered with a goal of their own just three minutes later as Libby Mason collected a rebound from outside the 18-yard box and delivered a strike into the upper corner to beat keeper Jessica Batey. Batey made seven saves for the Eagles, including several from close range.
Chanda’s goal came early in the second overtime as Ury delivered a pass out of the right corner to Chanda who was able to settle it and fire a riffle past Rebecca Duff for the game-winner. This was her first career game-winner and second career goal for the sophomore.
The Eagles (2-8, 2-1 KIAC) survived 10 first-half shots by CCU, as Batey was forced to make five of her seven saves in the first frame. Asbury managed only three shots in the first half and finished with 10 for the game. CCU took 16 shots in the game. Rebecca Duff made three saves for CCU.
The win keeps the hope for a seventh straight KIAC regular season title alive with a 2-1 conference record. The Eagles will claim at least a share of the title by winning their final three KIAC matches. They will head to Pittsburgh to face conference newcomers Point Park and Carlow next Friday and Saturday. Both teams are the lone unbeaten in the conference at 3-0.
Head Coach Paul Nesselroade won his 100th at Asbury with the win. In his 10th season at the helm of the women's program, Nesselroade holds a 100-99-8 record. He is the all-time leader in wins for the women's program and has coached the team for 10 of their 12 seasons.
First up for the Eagles is a road match at Oakland City on Saturday at 1pm.
