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After big comeback, ICC falls in OT
Down 2-0, Cougars force extra period vs. No. 6 Lewis and Clark
September 15, 2009
By BRENT GLASGOW
Reprinted with permission of the Journal Star
Facing Lewis and Clark, the sixth-ranked team in the nation in NJCAA Division I, ICC clawed out of a 2-0 hole to force OT. But in the second minute of the extra period, Lewis and Clark’s Jessica Randazzo scored for a 3-2 victory.
“This is the second game we’ve lost in overtime, so it’s kind of frustrating,” ICC coach Emily Peterson said. “We played hard, but you have to finish the game. You have to want it.”
Lewis and Clark (7-1) controlled much of the action. The Trailblazers held a 24-4 shots-on-goal advantage and a 12-1 edge in corner kicks.
“It was a good game, and I’m sure we’ll probably see them sometime down the road (in the postseason),” Lewis and Clark coach Tim Rooney said.
A goal by Kaylee Neutzling put Lewis and Clark in front 1-0 in the 39th minute. The reigning national player of the year made it a two-score lead with a goal 13 minutes into the second half.
ICC (5-3) needed a spark, and got it from Ally Redington, who fired a lengthy free kick into the net five minutes later.
“When we got one, we got the momentum behind us,” Peterson said. “The girls knew they could do it then.”
ICC pulled even when Redington fed Jenna Haste for a goal with 10 minutes remaining.
“That was great to see — two Dunlap freshmen,” Peterson said. “That goal was because we kept possession, which we’ve been preaching. That gave us life.”
Lewis and Clark had a half-dozen scoring chances over the final 10 minutes, but goalkeeper Sarah Schrader and the ICC defense escaped unscathed.
ICC’s hopes were crushed shortly after overtime commenced when Randazzo sent home the game-winner.
“The girls played hard, we just have to take the next step and play the ranked teams and beat them,” Peterson said.
The loss left a bitter taste, one which could be remedied if the teams meet in the regional tournament.
“I would like a second shot at them, I really would,” Peterson said. “We just have to finish, and I know they have it inside of them.”
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