#2 Howard 1, #7 Southern 0 (2 OT)
Box Score
PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas - A Jordan Taylor penalty kick goal in extra time pushed Howard (11-6-1) to a 1-0 double overtime win over Southern (4-10-2) in the final quarterfinal match of the 2018 Southwestern Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament.
A contest predicated on physical defense during the early goings, Howard put Southern’s Chioma Eriken under duress early on, with Hollie Cartwright putting one toward the net only for the 2018 SWAC Goalkeeper of the Year to rise to the occasion with a highlight-reel diving save.
Ultimately, the Lady Jaguars weren’t able to put together a consistent threat against the Bison’s backline and keeper Alayah Hightower, as Howard held Southern to just one shot all half. However, the Bison couldn’t put much of anything together offensively despite a 9-1 edge in tries.
Much like the first half, the Bison attempted to get some offensive traction with an early rush, but a shot toward goal was nabbed by Eriken.
From there, Howard dominated possession only for Southern to come away unscathed. The Bison had another chance in the 65
th minute when Victoria Thornton set a charge into motion with a pass to Aleeya Sawyer. Sawyer delivered a cross to Jordan Taylor, but Taylor’s ensuing try sailed high. The Bison continued to threaten, as another Taylor shot was off the mark, this one bouncing off the crossbar.
After Eriken turned away a Thalia Boucher attempt at the 75
th minute and another Taylor attempt, the iron was again unkind to the Bison as a Thornton shot clanked off the top bar.
The match then shifted to overtime, and after a scoreless first extra session, Taylor converted a penalty kick at the 116
th minute to send Howard to the semifinals.
The Bison outshot Southern 35-6, with 16 on goal. Eriken made 15 saves, and Hightower stopped three shots.