By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech soccer team and SIUE exchanged second-half goals on the way to a 1-1 draw to wrap up another weekend of OVC action Sunday afternoon at Tech Soccer Field.
The Golden Eagles struck first behind a Katie Toney goal in the 63rd minute, but the Cougars (2-6-5, 1-2-3 OVC) pulled even in the tilt's late stages thanks to an Emma Czech equalizer in the 85th minute. SIUE's score came courtesy of a Sidney Christopher free kick that connected with Czech inside the box for the freshman's first career score. Christopher earned an assist on the play.
Toney's goal that unwrapped the scoring saw the McMinnville, Tenn. native find the back of the net off a Golden Eagle set piece. Lucia Cuadra started the chance with a corner that wound up in front of Allison Lee. After Lee's initial attempt was blocked, the redirection ended up with Toney, who buried the try for her sixth goal of the season and 15th of her careeer.
Toney has now picked up at least two points in five straight matches, splitting the pipes in four of the five contests over the scoring surge.
With the draw, Tech (4-7-5, 4-1-1 OVC) runs its unbeaten streak to five straight thanks to four wins and a tie. The streak marks the fourth year in a row in which the Golden Eagles have rolled out at least a five-match unbeaten stretch.
Lee led all players in the contest with a season-high four shots. The Powell, Tenn. product pace Tech with two shots on-goal. Christopher, MaryClaire Imig and Kasey Neidhardt led the Cougars with two shots apiece. SIUE outshot the Golden Eagles, 13-10. The two clubs each registered four attempts on-frame.
Maggie Conrad claimed three saves during her day in between the pipes, while Abby Haskell picked up a pair of stops in the stalemate.
The Golden Eagles will now turn their attention to the final two road matches of the regular season. Tech will play at Eastern Illinois on Thursday, Oct. 17 before closing out the week at Western Illinois on Sunday. Thursday's clash with the Panthers is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. CT.
Photo by Jim Dillon
