There is a much debated theory in the world of soccer that a two goal lead is the most dangerous in the game. Despite statistics that would argue to the contrary, the myth of the two goal lead as some sort of harbinger of bad things to come persists.
The John Carroll women's soccer team did not help those hoping to debunk myth Friday afternoon in Grove City, Pennsylvania. Trailing 3-1 entering the final 25 minutes of the match, the Blue Streaks not only rallied to force overtime, but produced the victory on a
Brittany Dufalla goal in the 96th minute against the host Grove City Wolverines.
John Carroll got on the board first in this contest, as
Bailey Fischer tallied her first goal of the year and the 33rd of her career at the 8:34 mark. But Grove City began to control play shortly thereafter. The Wolverines tied the affair in the 24th minute, and the match remained at 1-1 for the remainder of the first period.
The shot count was 9-7 in favor of the hosts after the first 45 minutes. The gap would widen in the second half.Â
Grove City began to pour it on in the opening minutes when play resumed. Goals in the 51st and 62nd minute would push the Wolverines' lead to 3-1.
The dangerous two goal lead.
John Carroll was outshot by a 17-2 margin in the second half, but proving true the adage "quality over quantity", the only two shots taken were lethal.
Jaclyn Audino connected on her first goal (and the 12th of her career) at the 66;40 mark to pull within one goal, and then
Rachel Braunegg tied matters at the 74:36 match on a feed from
Taylor Newhart.
The Wolverines had six shots in the final 15 minutes in an effort to win in regulation, but none found their mark, including two that were saved by
Danielle DelGiudice, who was making her first career start.
A revitalized Blue Streak eleven took the field in the overtime and went on the attack. JCU outshot Grove City, 4-3, in the extra session, capped by Dufalla's game winner at the 96:47 mark.
This was John Carroll's first season-opening win since 2008, and the four goals scored was the most by a Blue Streak squad in a season opener since 1997 (4-2 over Oberlin).
