ERIE, Pa. – Abby Silvester scored the game-winning goal just three minutes into the first overtime to lead No. 16 Allegheny past Behrend 2-1 in non-conference women’s soccer action on Wednesday.
The nationally-ranked Gators (10-0-1) came from behind to score two goals in 16 minutes to remain undefeated. The Lions (6-5) netted the first goal on the afternoon to take a 1-0 lead and become the first team to score on Allegheny this season.
During the first half, both teams buckled down on the defense with majority of the play happening in the middle of the field. A total of three shots were taken and Behrend capitalized on the final shot of the half, scoring in the 43rd minute.
Kourtney Gasparovic sent in the ball from a corner kick and Valerie Wagner made her high shot too much to handle for goalie Rebecca O’Shurak.
That proved to be the final shot for the Lions, who could not generate many chances in the second half unlike their opponent. Allegheny fired off six shots in the second stanza and two more in overtime, scoring on two opportunities.
Kira Kliment knotted the game at the 76:57 mark on a shot that sailed into the left corner from the top of the box. It didn’t take long for the Gators to net the game winner in the first overtime. Silvester only needed three minutes to score her third goal of the season from 12 yards out.
Alayna Steele made five saves in her third start this season.
Behrend returns to action on Saturday at Franciscan. Game time is 1 p.m.