By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Athletics Media Relations
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – A dramatic goal in the waning moments of regulation brought the Tennessee Tech soccer team back and forced a 1-1 draw in Sunday's in-state showdown with UT Martin.
Trailing 1-0 with just over a minute and a half remaining, the Golden Eagles (3-6-7, 3-0-3 OVC) pulled even behind a Katie Toney goal for the senior's third score of the season. An Eva Baker attempt in the 89th minute was deflected off the leaping try of Skyhawk keeper Mac Titus and off the crossbar before the rebound fell right in front of the net. With the ball loose and the net open, Toney raced to the spot and powered one into the back of the net for the thrilling equalizer with just over 90 seconds remaining.
Toney's goal moved the senior forward into sole possession of third place on the program's all-time career goal list now with 19 scores throughout her Tech tenure.
After a scoreless first half, the Skyhawks (1-7-7, 1-3-2 OVC) jumped on the board early in the second to break the nil-nil deadlock. A UTM corner caromed toward the left of the box before Shayla Addington split the pipes in the 50th minute for the tilt's first goal.
The Skyhawk goal came moments after the Golden Eagles nearly put one home following a Claire Palya free kick less than three minutes into the second half. The Golden Eagle red-shirt junior lifted one right out in front where Allison Lee then knocked a drive off Titus who made a point-blank save before a Toney attempt on the rebound was also blocked away to keep the contest at 0-0.
Titus would end up with seven saves, matching Maggie Conrad's seven stops across the way. Conrad's seven denials were the second most in a match this season and the most in an OVC contest this year for the senior keeper.
Tech's 18 shots were the second highest output this year. Toney led the way with four attempts. UT Martin had eight total shots, all of which were on-goal. Alexandra Weihs paced the club with three tries.
Sunday's knot with the Skyhawks set a new program record for ties in a season now with seven draws. The Golden Eagles also remained unbeaten in the OVC and are one of four teams in the conference without a league loss. Tech is currently in a three-way tie for second place with 12 points after Little Rock and Southern Indiana each won on Sunday to match the Golden Eagles in points.
Tech will welcome USI to town on Thursday, Oct. 16 in the club's next contest. Kickoff is set to begin at 7 p.m. CT and admission to Tech Soccer Field is free of charge.
Photo: Jim Dillon
