ALBION, Mich. – The Trine University women's soccer game gave themselves the inside track for the second seed in the upcoming Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Tournament after coming from behind to draw with their hosts from Albion College 1-1.
The Britons came up with the first pressure of the day, when just over a minute into the contest they forced a save out of sophomore Sophie Aschemeier with a shot low and to the right. They recorded four more shots over the next 15 minutes before sophomore Teresa Ashbrook finally had one for the Thunder. Hers would force a save as well low and to the center.
In the 22nd minute of play, Albion had two quick shots on Aschemeier over the course of thirty seconds, with both ending in saves by the keeper. Then in the 26th minute a shot came in from outside the 18-yard box and went over the outstretched hands of Aschemeier. The goal gave the home side a 1-0 lead.
Aschemeier made one more save in the half to keep the score the same heading into the intermission.
Both teams had some early success in the second half, before the game settled into a defensive battle for the next twenty or so minutes.
In the 70th minute the Thunder broke out of the stalemate. After the team drew a corner attempt on the near side, sophomore Bella Mabry fired a beautiful ball into the center of the goal area. Senior Andrea Wright jumped at the high ball and headed it over the keeper and into the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1.
Mabry nearly gave the team a lead with just over eight minutes remaining in the contest. After a turnover near midfield the offense pressed into the 18-yard box where Mabry fired a shot from the left side nearly catching the right post for a goal. She then took another corner attempt that got a bit too close to the goal line letting the keeper grab it from the air.
The game ultimately ended in a draw. Despite allowing the one goal, Aschemeier played a great game in goal for the team, finishing with six saves.
The Thunder move into sole possession of second position in the league table following the result. They sit at 14 points with a 5-1-1 record in MIAA play and a 10-4-2 overall record. Albion moves into a tie for third with Hope College, both at 13 points.
Trine will secure a first-round bye in the upcoming tournament with a win against Olivet College on Wednesday, October 26. They can also take the second spot with a loss or draw, but would need favorable results in other contests involving Albion and Hope. The game on Wednesday is a home contest and will be played in Zollner Stadium at 6:45 p.m.
