(September 8, 2024) Miami, Oklahoma - Coming off their first loss of the season, the ladies wanted to get back on track Sunday afternoon at Red Robertson Field. The Bucks took at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. The ladies entered the contest 4-1 overall and 1-1 in region play, while NEO was looking for their first win of the season.
The summer heat enveloped the turf field as the Bucks got into their stride quickly, pushing for an early goal. That is what happened in the 3rd minute of the game. Valeria Gonzalez Perez (La Rioja, Spain) played a one touch chip pass over the NEO back line. The ball checked on the turf and Jasmin Bislev Nielsen (Aabybro, Denmark) pounced on it with electric speed. She drove the ball to the goal, went around the advancing keeper, and shot into an empty net to make it 1-0.
NEO dug in and Bucks struggled to break down the two lines of four protecting the goal. Space was a premium, and the Bucks found it difficult to find clear shots on goal.
Julie Lieu (Sheridan, AR) hit the crossbar from distance, and
Audrey Jordan (Shreveport, LA) hit the post from a tight angle. Both were tough opportunities against a stubborn NEO back line. The Lady Norse started to take control of the game and had the greater time of the possession. Against the run of play, the Bucks extended their lead with almost a carbon copy of the first goal. This time it was Nielsen chipping the ball behind and
Lidia Rodriguez Dominguez (Ourense, Spain) was the goal scorer.
The second half was a tight affair with NEO pushing for a goal to give them momentum, and the Bucks resolutely defending to keep that two goal cushion. The Bucks scored in a very critical part of the match. With 67 minutes on the clock,
Carla Todd (Lochgilphead, United Kingdom) found
Jasmin Bislev Nielsen with an accurate pass, and Nielsen showed astonishing quick feet to beat two defenders and finish with the side of her foot from the edge of the penalty area. Four minutes later, Nielsen got in on the act again, but this time assisting
Audrey Jordan to finish low into the corner after an audacious combination between the two of them.
NEO would not give in and got a well deserved goal after getting to the rebound first to poke home from a free kick hitting the crossbar. As the game drew to a close, the Bucks had a penalty kick after Jordan was fouled in the box.
Lidia Rodriguez Dominguez had her kick saved and the final whistle blew.
Coach Sherry was happy for his team after the road win. "This was a great win on the road. It is always difficult to win away games for obvious reasons. The ladies worked hard and deserved the win. I know the strikers usually get all the plaudits, but today, I want to give a special shout to the back line and our keeper for standing tall and strong under a lot of pressure.
MJ Rosas (Surprise, AZ),
Maegan Hill (Benton, AR),
Addison Gonzalez (Wylie, TX),
Abby Phillips (Bellville, TX), and our rock in goal
Mac Dellinger (Little Rock, AR) were outstanding today. "
The Bucks will now have a few days off before taking on Murray State at home on Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 pm at Tapley Park.
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