LEBANON, Tenn. — No. 19 Lindsey Wilson women's soccer erased a two-goal halftime deficit to complete a 3-2 comeback victory over Mid-South foe and 22nd-ranked Cumberland (Tenn.) on Friday at Lindsey Donnell Stadium-Kirk Field.
The Blue Raiders (6-3-1, 3-1-0 MSC) put their foot on the gas early in the contest with three shots within the first four minutes of play, all blocked before they could reach the box. In the eighth minute Lindsey Wilson's
Alexandra Giusti was on the receiving end of a pass by
Ona Monserrat Baca, Giusti sized up a header and narrowly missed a goal as the ball crept over the crossbar.
The Phoenix (10-3-1, 3-1-0 MSC) offense found its stride in the 29th minute of the first half, firing three consecutive shots, Blue Raiders' goalkeeper
Demi Serman denied the last two attempts for saves, following a block on the first strike.
A goal by Cumberland's Ruth Rodriguez in the 32nd minute broke the scoreless tie to give the 1-0 advantage to the hosts. The Phoenix extended their lead a minute later when Victoria Collins found the back of the net off an assist by Abigale Alexander. Cumberland took its 2-0 lead into the half.
Pressure and penetration fueled Lindsey Wilson in the second half as they outscored Cumberland 3-0 to secure the win. In the 59th minute a Phoenix foul setup a free kick for the Blue Raiders,
Ashiat Naluggwa rifled the shot past Cumberland's keeper to get Lindsey Wilson on the board and cut the deficit to 2-1.
On the break in the 67th minute, the Blue Raiders were primed for an offensive chance when a Phoenix defender yanked down
Ona Monserrat Baca from behind, resulting in a foul and a penalty kick opportunity. Naluggwa lined up to take the penalty for Lindsey Wilson, converting on a screamer, evening the match at two-all.
Persistent passing paid off for the Blue Raiders as
Julia Marcolongo finished the feed from Monserrat Baca to give Lindsey Wilson a 3-2 lead in the 77th minute.
Cumberland's last chance came in the 89th minute when Rodriguez sent in a long ball that lost velocity quickly and Serman was able to reign it in for a save and stamp the Blue Raiders' triumph.
Lindsey Wilson returns to action at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, against rival Campbellsville for Couch Night at Walter S. Reuling Stadium.
