Friday, September 22, 2006

For the fourth time this 2006 season Valparaiso needed extra time for a victory, but Jackie Thomas' (Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley Northwest H.S.) goal with just 1:33 left in the second overtime period gave the Crusaders a 2-1 victory over Oral Roberts in Mid-Continent Conference play on Friday afternoon at Eastgate Field.

Valpo has now won five straight matches overall and is 6-0-6 in its last 12 overtime matches dating back to the 2003 season.

Thomas' goal, her third of the season and first match-winner of her career, came on a free kick from 25 yards out that beat Golden Eagles' goalkeeper Shelbi Morrison to her left.

The Crusaders had numerous opportunities to win the match earlier as the Brown and Gold clanged seven shots off of the goal frame in the second half and two overtime periods prior to the winning tally.

Valpo jumped in front 12:17 into the match as Lauren Cooper (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep H.S.) scored her second of the season from the top of the penalty area after a corner kick by Dana McGlone (Littleton, Coo./Heritage H.S.).

Oral Roberts (1-5-2, 0-1-1 Mid-Con) tied the match with 8:08 to play before halftime as Sarah Rencken connected on a free kick from 30 yards out, the final goal prior to the double overtime period.

Valparaiso outshot the Golden Eagles 20-12, including a 16-5 edge following halftime, while owning an 8-1 advantage in corner kick opportunities.

Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.) made a pair of saves to earn the win for the Brown and Gold while Morrison made five stops for the visitors.

Valpo (7-2, 2-0) will look to tie the school record with its sixth straight victory on Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders entertain Evansville at Eastgate Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. with the match carried live on WVUR (95.1-FM, Valparaiso) and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics.