Spartans Snap Crusaders 25 Game Home Unbeaten Streak in OT Win

BELMONT, N.C. - The University of Tampa women's soccer team opened the 2017 campaign on the road at Belmont Abbey College against the Belmont Abbey Crusaders and came out on top 2-1 in overtime. The weather did not help as there was a torrential downpour from pregame all the way through the end of overtime. The victory for UT snaps a 25 game unbeaten streak at home for the Crusaders as their last loss came on September 20, 2014, against North Georgia (2-0) in regulation. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final (OT): Tampa 2, Belmont Abbey 1
Records: Spartans (1-0), Crusaders (0-1)
Location: Alumni Field | Belmont, N.C.

All-time Series: Tampa leads the all-time series against Belmont Abbey at 4-1-0 and have won the last four, with the previous matchup coming in 2007.

Follow Us: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Vimeo

HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | The game got underway with the rain coming down and both sides looking to find their legs as this was the first game for both squads. UT did not take long to take a chance as they put up a shot 1:30 into the match that went high and over the bar. Between the 10th and 20th minute of play, the action remained on the home side of the field as the Spartans took chance after chance looking to break the deadlock. The Crusaders were able to get on the break on a couple of occasions but senior goalkeeper Caroline Frykgard was up to the task stopping the few chances that went on target. With just under three minutes left in the half, Nastasia Asgedom took the ball and found Erika Peitersen at the top of the box. Peteirsen took advantage of the 'keeper being off her line to send a shot over and into the back of the net for her first collegiate goal.

2nd Half | The home team came out with a burst of energy and it paid off early. About four minutes into the half, and with the rain intensifying, Crusader forward Morgan Patton took a shot on goal and Frykgard was able to get to the ball but it skipped away from her and midfielder Nicole Ferren took advantage of the situation to slip the ball and tie the game up. The Spartans were quick to take back control of the game and kept up their attack as they had the ball in the offensive end, drawing five corner kicks in a span of five minutes. UT kept up the pressure and got fresh legs on through the rest of the half but was unable to breakthrough for the game-winner in regulation as the 90 minutes ended.

OT | The overtime period did not last very long. A minute into extra time, a ball was played into the six-yard box. Emily Cady combined with Peteirsen and the latter took advantage of the opportunity to send the ball to the back of the net and end the game as she completed her first career game with a pair of goals.

INSIDE THE STATS:
• Tampa outshot Belmont Abbey 26-8, holding a 10-3 edge in the first half and a 15-5 edge in the second half before having the one shot of overtime go their way.
• UT also held the advantage in corner kicks (10-1) over the home side. 
• Peteirsen had four shots overall in the game and two on goal that ended in the back of the net while Asgedom had six shots with five being on goal and had the first assist. 
• Cady played 27 minutes off the bench and had the assist on the game winning goal for her first official Tampa stat. 
• Starting in goal, Frykgard had five saves on six shots on goal by the Crusaders, the one goal coming off a rebound in play.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will be back on the field this coming Saturday when they take on the Queens University Royals at 5 p.m. in Charlotte, N.C. for the second of three games in North Carolina to open the season. Live stats and video are available on TampaSpartans.com

TAMPA SPARTANS MOBILE APP:
A free app is also available for free download through Apple and Google Play stores. Please search for Tampa Spartans Front Row.

RECEIVE TEXT AND EMAIL ALERTS:
UT also offers free messaging service for text and/or email, which sends alerts and press releases for Spartan teams. To sign up, please register atwww.tampaspartans.com.