Valdosta, Ga. - Despite outshooting Union 14-6 in the clash of two Gulf South Conference foes on Friday, the Valdosta State soccer team was unable to break a 2-2 tie in the late minutes of the contest, resulting in the Blazers first tie of the young season.
The Blazers record moves to 2-0-1, and 0-0-1 in GSC play, while Union slides to a 1-0-2 record, and a 0-0-1 GSC record.
While VSU pressured the Bulldogs often and early, the first goal of the match didn't come until late in the first half when the Blazers responded to a Union foul with Shelby Jennings delivering a free kick to Zahimara Fantauzzi, who finished off the attack with a shot past Union keeper Emily Waggoner into the lower left corner for the score.
Not long after the start of the second half, Valdosta State took a 2-0 lead when Erin Hill struck from several yards outside of the 18 yard box for the Blazers second goal. Abbi Edwards picked up the assist for VSU on what would be the Blazers final goal of the match.
Union's shots were few, but the Bulldogs made the most of their opportunities, scoring twice in the second half to even the score. The first goal for the Bulldogs came on a breakaway attempt by Dionna Linn, who was able to push a shot past Olivia Mills and into the net. The goal was the first allowed for the Blazer keeper this season.
Union tied up the match on a penalty kick, after Deysla Reyes was charged with a foul inside the box. Alex Taylor took the kick for the Bulldogs, and guided the attempt into the right side of the net to tie the match at 2-2.
The Bulldogs gave the Blazers a scare with only three minutes remaining in the second overtime period, when Linn got another clean look at the goal. But the potential game winning shot was denied by Mills with a diving stop off of her fingertips.
Valdosta State will continue GSC play on Sunday afternoon when they host Alabama-Huntsville at The VSU Soccer Complex. The match is slated for a 1:00 p.m. start. Live stats and a webcast will be available at www.vstateblazers.com.
