For the first time in almost a year, the Lee women’s soccer team has tasted defeat. Emory University handed the defending NAIA champions a 2-1 double-overtime loss on a warm Wednesday afternoon. The setback ended a 17 match Lee winning streak.
The NCAA Division III power scored the winning goal in the 108th minute when Lauren Smith knocked in a shot from the top of the box. It was the opening match of the season for the Eagles while Lee drops to 1-1.
“Our girls have to understand that we are going to have a target on our back no matter where we play,” said coach Matt Yelton. “We cannot afford to coast against anyone. Right now, with the schedule we face, we will be lucky to be at the .500 mark by the end of September.”
Emory went on top when Lauren Gorodetsky scored on an unassisted goal in the 28th minute. Lee came right back and tied the game just over three minutes later when Jamie Achten tallied her second goal of the year. Caroline Scales registered the assist.
After the two squads battled through a scoreless first overtime, Smith hit the goal winner on a ball that was deflected by Lee’s Danielle Ciabattone into the back of the net.
The Lady Flames out-shot the host Eagles by an 11-9 margin. Lee had six of their shots on target and Emory only three. Kristy Koudelka had a save for the Lady Flames, while Erica Stein posted a pair of saves and Kaele Leonard came on in the 46th minute and carded three key saves for the winners.
The Lady Flames will jump right back into action on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. They will be hosting another non-conference opponent in Savannah College of Art and Design.