Late Goal Caps Husker Comeback

In a wild and furious finish, a goal from senior Sasha Andrews in the 85th minute capped a 3-2 come-from-behind victory for the Nebraska soccer team over a spirited <?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>San DiegoState squad on Tuesday.

 

Although NU allowed more than one goal for the first time this season, the victory improved the Huskers record to 3-1-0, while the Aztecs dropped to 3-2-0.

 

Andrews' first goal of the season came just 1:56 after junior Brittany Timko tied the game with her second goal of the year. The Huskers' flurry of goals came after the Aztecs (3-2-0) erased a 1-0 halftime deficit with a pair of early second-half goals just 3:06 apart. Jessica Girdner scored both goals, one coming unassisted and the other coming after a quick throw in and an assist from Tiphanie Elliott.

 

The game remained 2-1 in favor of SDSU until Timko's goal in the 83rd minute. Senior Nikki Baker sent a ball in the box that Timko was able to control and put past Aztec goalkeeper Christi Yount, who got a hand on the ball, but was unable to make the save.

 

A Timko corner kick then figured into the game-winning goal. Timko sent a beautiful ball to Andrews, who put a head on the ball before corralling it and beating Yount.

 

It didn't appear that late-game dramatics would be necessary in the first half. NU outshot San Diego State, 11-2, in the period and took a 1-0 lead on freshman Aysha Jamani's team-leading third goal of the season. Following another Timko corner kick, junior Tanya Dennis sent a ball back into the box and freshman Lauren Isenhower got a touch before Jamani finally controlled the loose ball and found the back of the net.

 

Before the goal, Jamani had another excellent scoring chance. She made a great run, spinning away from a defender 35 yards out and eluded another defender in the box before firing a shot that Yount was able to dive and save to keep the game scoreless. In the game, Jamani took five shots, and placed each shot on goal.

 

The Huskers appeared to take a 2-0 lead early in the second half when sophomore Jessie Bruch headed the ball past Yount and into the back of the net after a free kick from Timko, but Bruch was called for a foul on the play and the goal was waved off.

 

For the game, the Huskers outshot the Aztecs, 17-8, and placed 12 shots on goal to only four from San Diego State. In goal, junior Katie Wright played all 90 minutes and recorded two saves. For SDSU, Yount made eight saves, while allowing the three goals.

 

Nebraska also enjoyed an advantage in corner kicks. NU won eight kicks, while limiting the Aztecs to only two.

 

The Huskers continue a three-game homestand with a 5 p.m. match on Friday against Colorado College. Fans attending the game are invited to sit closer to the field, in new sideline seating - at no additional charge- unveiled in Tuesday's victory.