A last-minute penalty cost the ETSU soccer team a game-tying goal being defeated by Radford 1-0 in overtime Sept. 19.
ETSU thought they had tied the game with a header from senior Jen Fields with three minutes to play, but the referee whistled the Bucs for off sides nullifying the goal.
ETSU head coach Heather Henson was pleased with her team’s effort despite the outcome of the game.
“The team fought hard, and we were attacking well all game,” said Henson.
The Highlander’s (4-3) goal came from senior Nikki Porter in the 83rd minute and Jonita Hooker assisted the goal. ETSU keeper Christine Parks made four saves on the night.
Henson believes anytime these two schools meet the game will be close like this one.
“This was another one of those non-conference battles similar to UNC-A (Asheville), both teams were up for this one and it was just a grudge match,” said Henson.
The practice week was cut from five days to two due to Hurricane Ivan, but Henson thought her team did well with the time they had.
“It would have been nice to have had five days, but we were able to make some key adjustments,” said Henson.
Because the Radford game was moved up, ETSU (3-3) will now have more time to prepare for their conference opener at The Citadel on Sunday, Sept. 26. The Lady Bulldogs will bring a much more experienced team to the field than a year ago.
“This year their (The Citadel) core is made up of juniors, but they also have four senior starters,” said Henson. “This should be a very physical game.”
The game will begin at 1 p.m.
The Bucs will have to deal with the Southern Conference Soccer Player of the Week in Lauren Merchant for Sept. 21.
Merchant, a junior forward, recorded three goals which is commonly called a hat trick in the first half of the Bulldogs game against South Carolina State.
The Bulldogs are only 1-5 for the season. Some of those losses have been close and they will be looking for their first Southern Conference win of the season.
Following The Citadel game the Lady Bucs will then travel to Georgia Southern on Oct. 1.
They then return to Johnson City for their conference home opener against Western Carolina on Oct. 3 before traveling to Charleston to play the No. 1 team in the SoCon, the College of Charleston.

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