Huskers, Wildcats Battle to 2-2 Tie at Villanova Classic

Villanova, Pa. - The Nebraska soccer team carried a one-goal lead into the final minute, but the Huskers (1-1-1) gave up a score with nine seconds remaining in regulation as they battled to a 2-2 double overtime tie against Villanova (2-0-1) on Sunday afternoon in Villanova, Pa.

Senior defenders Carly Peetz and Anna Caniglia teamed up for what looked to be the game-winning score in the 77th minute, when Caniglia sent a free kick from the right sideline directly in front of the goalie box. Congestion ensued in front of the net, but Peetz was able to push the ball past Villanova goalkeeper Molly Williams to give the Huskers a 2-1 lead.

Villanova forward Katie Ryan then turned up the heat and took four shots in the final minutes, including one attempt in the 89th minute that slid near the post before Nebraska goalkeeper Tara Macdonald snagged the ball from crossing the goal line. Sixty-two seconds later, Ryan made good on her final opportunity when she chased down a long ball near the top of the penalty box and sent it over Macdonald's head for the game-tying score.

Neither team was able to convert in the overtime periods, as both teams had ample opportunities to score with seven shots apiece in the extra sessions, including three shots on goal. Nebraska had one of its best chances as time was expiring in the first overtime when freshman Jordan Jackson saw a small window from the right side of the penalty box, but her cross-shot sailed just left of the goal.

Nebraska trailed 1-0 at halftime before notching its first goal of the game in the 57th minute on a header by freshman Morgan Marlborough. The Lee's Summit, Mo., native used a terrific pass from the corner from senior Shay Powell and headed the ball into the upper left side of the goal for her second score of the season.

Not only did Marlborough's goal tie the game at 1-1, but it also relieved some pressure, as the Huskers were due for a score after controlling the possession throughout the majority of the first half.

The Wildcats weren't able to register a shot until 10 minutes into the game, as the Husker midfielders kept Villanova on their heels and helped Nebraska push the ball deep in Villanova territory throughout the game. The Huskers, however, were unable to covert inside the penalty box, despite a 4-3 edge in shots on goal in the first 45 minutes and an overall advantage of 14-11.

The momentum shifted in the 31st minute when the Wildcats took advantage of a rare offensive opportunity to take a 1-0 lead on a Jessica Carnevale goal. Carnevale received a short pass from Grace Hawkins near the top of the penalty box and unleashed a 20-foot kick that found the top right corner of the net.

Nebraska outshot Villanova, 26-25, marking the most shots by the Huskers in a road game since Oct. 12, 2007 in a 4-0 shutout at Lamar (44 shots).

In the net, Macdonald registered nine saves for Nebraska, while playing all 110 minutes.

Peetz, Marlborough and junior midfielder Anna White were named to the Villanova Classic All-Tournament Team. Peetz and Marlborough each had one goal in the tournament, while White was solid in the midfield, tallying four shots in two games, including two on net.

Sunday ends a three-game road trip for Nebraska to start the 2009 season. The Huskers now return to Lincoln for the home opener, as Nebraska hosts Lamar on Friday at the Nebraska Soccer Field at 5 p.m.

The NU Marketing Department will be giving out free 2009 Husker soccer schedule key tags to the first 400 fans. Kids who attended Husker soccer summer camps (8th grade and below) will be given free admission by bringing their camp flyer to the game. Tickets can be purchased at the field-level entrance on the gameday or by calling 1-800-8-BIG-RED. Season tickets are $44 for adults and $22 for youth/seniors, while single-game tickets are $5 for adults and $22 for youth/seniors. UNL students get in free with their N-Card.