Lincoln, Neb.–The Nebraska soccer team put forth a valiant group effort to overtake Central Michigan 4-3 in double-overtime at Barbara Hibner Field on Friday night.
The Huskers opened up the first half in style, showing dominant possession of the ball throughout. Redshirt freshman Lia Baldo got things rolling for the Big Red in the 18th minute, kicking in a shot from just outside the box off of an assist from junior Courtney Claasssen to take the lead 1-0.
Junior Jaycie Johnson tallied her first goal of the season shortly afterward at the 32-minute mark, heading in the ball off a corner kick from classmate Sydney Miramontez. The Huskers led the Chippewas 2-0 heading into halftime.
Nebraska came out of the gate just as strong to start the second half. Senior Caroline Flynn raced down midfield in the 56th minute, beating three defenders en route to an unassisted goal from the left corner of the box, extending the Huskers’ lead to 3-0.
Central Michigan quickly gained momentum near the end of the period, starting with a penalty kick scored by senior Kaelyn Korte in the 75th minute. The Chippewas found another opportunity just 40 seconds later, as junior Samantha Maher lodged an unassisted ball over the keeper from 15 yards out and into the net to bring the score within 3-2.
Central Michigan’s luck continued after sophomore Lauren Sherry sent a laser into the net off a sideline throw-in with only 17 seconds left to tie it up 3-3 at the end of the half.
Despite the Huskers’ pair of shots in overtime, neither team could capitalize, sending the game into double-overtime.
The Huskers fought with a vengeance in the second overtime period, earning two corner kicks back-to-back and two shots on goal from Odermann and Johnson. Johnson found her moment with less than four minutes left of the match, breaking away from a pair of defenders to launch the ball past the keeper and into the net to secure the Husker victory 4-3.
Sophomore Erika Johnson tallied her second career win at goalkeeper for NU, cruising to a 2-0-0 record on the year.
The Huskers will look to continue their win streak as they return to Hibner Field on Monday, Aug. 31 for a showdown with No. 11 BYU. Match time is set for 7:05 p.m. (CT).