By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech soccer team used late theatrics to pick up its first point of 2024 as the Golden Eagles scored late to force a 2-2 deadlock in the club's home opener against Miami (Ohio) Sunday afternoon at Tech Soccer Field.
Trailing 2-1 with just under 10 minutes left in regulation, Golden Eagle newcomer Cheyenne McCloud smoked an equalizing goal from well outside the box, tucking the drive off the right post and in the upper-right corner of the net for her first career goal. The 81st-minute knotting goal saw Katie Toney and Ashley Wood both pick up assists.
McCloud's heroics became necessary after the RedHawks (1-0-1) seized a second-half lead on Taylor Hamlett's second goal of the contest that broke a 1-1 tie in 61st minute. The 5-foot-7 forward, who now has four goals and two assists in Miami's first two affairs, gathered in close with her back turned away from the net before spinning around and sneaking one home to push the RedHawk advantage to 2-1.
Tech (0-1-1) jumped out to an early lead on a Neve Renwick goal in the 14th minute for the sophomore's second score of the season. The go-ahead goal came off a set piece with Golden Eagle keeper Maggie Conrad picking up the assist after taking the free kick from Tech's portion of the pitch. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa native belted a blast that skipped into the box before Renwick took control and buried one into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
The Golden Eagle edge would be short lived after Miami responded 31 seconds later on Hamlett's first goal of the match in the 15th minute to square the tilt at 1-1.
Renwick would go on to lead the match with four shots, while Toney produced three for the purple and gold. Makenna Morrison and Maris Jennings each led the RedHawks with three tries apiece. Overall, Miami held a narrow 16-15 advantage in total attempts.
Conrad collected six stops in the draw. Dominique Popa picked up a pair of saves in her 2024 season debut.
With their first point in their back pocket, the Golden Eagles will stay in Cookeville to wrap up a two-match homestand Thursday evening. TTU will welcome Saint Mary's to town for a 7 p.m. CT beginning at Tech Soccer Field. Admission is free of charge.
Photo by Jim Dillon
