Williamsburg, KY – The University of the Cumberlands Women's Soccer Team netted a pair of second half goals to come from behind and force a 2-2 draw against Shawnee State in Mid-South Conference play Saturday afternoon at the UC Soccer Complex. With the tie the Patriots move to 6-6-1 overall and 2-1-1 in the MSC, while the Bears move to 8-3-2 overall and 1-2-1 in conference play.

The Patriots started the game looking for a quick strike, but a pair of offsides called in the first ten minutes of play halted the UC attack.  Shawnee State recorded the first three shots of the game, including a strike by Charity Collins in the 18' minute that was saved by Christie Funk.  The Bears would score first however as Lindsey Bates sent a cross to Maddie Woodard who netted a goal to give Shawnee State a 1-0 lead with 15:26 remaining in the opening period.  Sara Randez tallied UC's first shot, before the Shawnee State took four shots, over a five minute span, but couldn't convert keeping the score 1-0.  It looked as like the Patriots evened the score in the 40' minute as Randez put the ball into the net, but a foul called on the Bears negated the goal.  Jody LeMaster sent the ensuing free kick towards the left post but Michaela Garner was there for the save to keep the score 1-0 at the break.

Cumberlands came out strong in the second half looking for a quick equalizer but couldn't capitalize.  The score remained 1-0 until the 60' minute as Jenny Campbell's pass split the defenders up to Woodard who sent a lob shot into the goal to extend Shawnee State's lead to 2-0. Ten minutes later Funk stopped a Bears' corner kick and on the ensuing transition Shelby Little connected with LeMaster for a goal to cut the deficit to 2-1 with 19:03 remaining in the second half.  Cumberlands found the equalizer in the 84' minute as Erin Bolas sent a pass forward, which was misplayed by a Bears' defender right to Randez who capitalized with the game-tying goal. The Patriots looked to complete the comeback in regulation as Rachel Palazzo put a free kick on target but Garner was there for the save to force overtime.

Shawnee State lone shot of the overtime came in the 92' minute as Campbell fired a shot towards the goal but Funk was there for her fourth save of the contest.  Cumberlands controlled the ball on their offensive third for majority of the first overtime taking four shots but couldn't convert.

The Patriots aggressive play continued into the second overtime as UC out shot Shawnee State 5-0 in the period.  Midway through the second overtime the Bears were called for a hand ball in the box which set up a Bolas penalty kick.  The kick was saved by Garner and deflected right to Shannon Glendinning who couldn't convert keeping the game even at 2-2. Cumberlands had two more chances in the final two minutes but couldn't covert for the 2-2 draw.

Leading the way for the Patriots was Randez who tallied a goal and an assist in the game. LeMaster added a goal, while Little dished out an assist. Little has now tallied at least one point in each of the last three games.

The Patriots will return to action Tuesday, October 17, when they travel to Campbellsville, KY to take on the Tigers. The game is slated to begin at 6 p.m. and live video is available here, while live stats are available here.  

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