Cougars Nip Eagles in OT

PITTSBURGH, Pa.-The Juniata women's soccer team suffered 2-1 OT loss at Chatham for their first loss of the year, Wednesday evening.  

Amanda Kopacz (Green Brook, N.J./Mount Saint Mary Academy) scored the lone goal for the Eagles. Gianna Canale (Egg Harbor City, N.J./Cedar Creek HS) had nine saves in goal for JC. 

The Cougars came out attacking as they ripped three shots early, one caroming off the crossbar and Canale saving another while the other went wide. Talia Bertrando (Lititz, Pa./Warwick High School) took the first shot for the Eagles, but the Cougar keeper was equal to it. 

Twelve minutes in, the Cougars broke through as they went up 1-0. They threatened again less than two minutes later, but Canale keep the deficit at one.  

In the 21^st minute Kopacz brought Juniata even after it looked like the Cougars may find another. The goal seemed to help JC settle as they looked to attack more, but neither team could break the deadlock as they went into the half tied.  

The second half saw Chatham come out strong early again, but the Eagles kept them at bay as JC slowly started to take control. Neither team found the back of the net so extra time was needed.  

Three minutes in, the Cougars earned a corner and two minutes later they managed to get past the Eagle defense to end the match. 

"It was hard-fought contest that ended too soon," said head coach Scott McKenzie after the match. "The flow and momentum of each half started with Chatham and ended each half in Juniata's favor. That's why I feel the overtime ended too soon, we had just begun to swing the momentum back our way. We played well throughout and can hold our head up high." 

The Eagles return to action Saturday at King's. Kickoff is at 3:30.