Marshall University Athletics
Marshall And Radford Battle To 2-2 Draw
9/7/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 7, 2008
Complete Release in PDF Format 
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The Marshall University's women's soccer squad concluded the fourth annual Thundering Herd Nike Invitational with a 2-2 double overtime draw with Radford University, Sunday afternoon, at Sam Hood Field. The Thundering Herd and the Highlanders both remain unbeaten so far this season at 2-0-2.
"Radford was a very direct team which we hadn't seen much yet this season and was a good test for us," Marshall's interim head coach Kevin Long said. "More importantly was our inability to put the match away after a 2-0 lead, for the second time this season."
Marshall's sophomore forward Missy Gordon (Carmel, Ind.) curved the ball to the top right corner of the goal to put the Herd up early in the 23rd minute. It was Gordon's third career and second season goal. She also added four shots, two on goal.
Sophomore forward Erika Duncan (Easthaven, Scotland) drilled it cross field to the top right of the goal to finish the first half. Freshman Kaitlin Devine (Leonardtown, Md.) added an assist on the play. The goal was the eighth of Duncan's career, and third of the season. The sophomore finished with four shots on the day.
"Radford was a very direct team which we hadn't seen much yet this season and was a good test for us," Coach Long continued. "More importantly was our inability to put the match away after a 2-0 lead, for the second time this season."
McKenzie Vergara put her third goal of the season in the top right side of the net past the Herd defense from a Justine Dugger direct kick in the 48th minute.
The Highlanders then tied the match with an Ashley Johnson open goal off a feed from Melony Davis at 87:57.
Marshall extended its unbeaten streak to four matches (two of which ended in ties), which hasn't been done since 2004. The 2004 team went 2-0-2 in its opening four matches before falling to Wright State and finished with three ties against LaSalle University, Drexel University, and Bowling Green State University.
Marshall dominated play by taking 29 shots, with 15 being on goal. Radford finished with nine shots, five on goal.
Junior Molly Snead (Cincinnati, Ohio) added three shots, one goal. Sophomore Kristen Berquist (Highland Village, Texas) took four shots, two on goal. Senior Ali Lizotte (Iron Station, S.C.) registered two shots. Sophomore Emma Harrison (Christchurch, New Zealand) notched five shots on goal. Freshman Angela DeSumma (Doylestown, Pa.) had four shots, two on goal.
Junior keeper Liz Orton (Fort Collins, Colo.) tallied three saves and 110 minutes, while Radford freshman keeper Lisa Lubke registered 12 saves and 110 minutes.
The Highlanders continue to lead the all-time series, 1-0-1, with a 1-0 decision late in September 2007 at Radford, Va.
"We played better than we did Friday, but I am disappointed we didn't convert these dominating performances into wins," Coach Long added.
Marshall kicked-off its 2008 season home opener with a 2-2 draw after two overtimes against The Citadel, Friday evening, at Sam Hood Field in the second match of the invitational. In the third match of the invitational, The Citadel defeated Mount St. Mary's, 3-1, Sunday morning.
The Herd will begin an eight-match road trip against the two-time Mid-American Champions, the University of Toledo, Friday, Sept. 12. Kick-off is set for 5 p.m. at Scott Park. Marshall will finish the long road trip against Conference USA foe, the University of Southern Miss, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. at the Marshall Bell Track and Soccer Complex. The Herd returns to Sam Hood Field against C-USA opponent SMU, Friday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
Herd fans can check out and purchase photos from the 2008 women's soccer season at http://herdsportsphotos.exposuremanager.com/ under "2008 Women's Soccer."
