UTICA, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher College women's soccer team picked up a critical point in the Empire 8 standings on Thursday as the Cardinals played to a 1-1 draw at Utica College. With the tie, Fisher moved to 2-2-1 on the year and in the standings while the Pioneers closed out the afternoon at 2-2-1 and 1-2- against conference opposition.
The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead in just the 20th minute when
Alexis Gossage sent a through ball that found the foot of
Becky Mack to make it 1-0.
The lead held through the 80th minute until the Pioneers scored off a set piece to knot the game at 1-1.
Fisher had an opportunity to end the game in regulation as
Jessica Aldred onloaded a shot, but the Pioneers' keeper was well positioned and made the save to send the game into overtime.
After managing just one shot in the first extra period, Fisher played with a sense of urgency in the second overtime frame as
Carli Kovarik peppered the Utica backline with three shots, one of which was on goal.
Isabella Guarracino had a chance in the 109th minute, but her shot sailed wide as the final whistle sounded on the draw.
Fisher was credited with having taken 11 shots in all led by Kovarik's four while Alfred took three shots in the tie.
In goal,
Lila Platt played 45 minutes and made six saves while
Halle Tickell played the final 65 minutes where she surrendered one goal and made three saves.
The Cardinals will await their postseason fate, however, at the close of Thursday, the team was sitting in third place in the conference standings. Should that play out, Fisher would host an Empire 8 quarterfinal at Growney Stadium on Tuesday.
