Women’s Soccer Takes C-USA Quarterfinal Matchup in OT

Wednesday, October 31

Norfolk, Va.

11:30 a.m.

Florida Atlantic

12-7-1

Middle Tennessee (Quarterfinals)

10-7-1

OT 2

Middle Tennessee

Florida Atlantic

10/31/2018 3:12:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

NORFOLK, Va. – The Florida Atlantic University women's soccer team completed a come-from-behind overtime victory in the 2018 Conference USA quarterfinals, defeating Middle Tennessee on Emma Grissom's golden goal in the 93rd minute, 2-1.

The Turning Point:
The Blue Raiders (10-7-1) took the lead late in the first half. In the 40th, their first shot was blocked by Jennifer Ocampo, but MT's Amber Hoot was there for the rebound and the goal. FAU (12-7-1) equalized after the break, on a similar scenario, when one Owl attempt was turned away, but Tiril Haga was on the spot to deposit it in. That squared things up, in the 60th minute. It stayed 1-1 through regulation, setting up the game-winner.

The Finish:
On the Owls' second opportunity of the extra frame, the ball settled near the endline to Pernille Velta. She beat her defender and put it across the face of the goal to an oncoming Grissom, who blasted it to the left corner for the victory.

Notables:

Haga added on to her team-leading total with her sixth score of the season. Sammy Vitols earned her second assist
Grissom now has two goals, with assists on the golden goal credited to Velta (her sixth) and Mary O'Hara (her fifth)
The team notched its 12th win, the third time in the last four years reaching that plateau
It is also the third straight season the Owls have posted a victory in the C-USA Championship, to reach at least the semifinal round

Quotable:
"What a start to the tournament," said Head Coach Patrick Baker. "Mary O'Hara and 'P' (Pernille Velta) created the goal, and Emma Grissom (finished). I'm glad she's on my team, she's playing really, really well. I'm pleased for the girls, into the semifinals for the third straight year, and just happy to survive and stay alive."

Full Video with Coach Baker:

What's Next:
Friday's semifinal matchup pits the Owls against the No. 6 Southern Miss, who had a seeded upset of No. 3 UAB on Wednesday, 1-0. Kickoff will be at 4:30 p.m. from Norfolk, and will be streamed live on ESPN+.