Women’s soccer downs Duquesne in double overtime, 2-1

Women’s soccer downs Duquesne in double overtime, 2-1

Sophomore forward Jelena Vrcelj made her first goal of the season an important one as she scored in the left corner of the net during the second overtime to help the JU women’s soccer team down Duquesne, 2-1, on Friday night at the Ashley Sports Complex.

With less than a minute remaining in the second overtime frame, senior forward Keri Zwikker zipped through two defenders and delivered a pass to Vrcelj. Vrcelj raced for 10 yards and smashed the game-winning goal through the left side of the goal to give the Dolphins (2-1-0) their second straight win this week.

"I am very proud of the work, effort and heart our girls put into tonight," said JU head coach Brian Copham. "It’s a true testament to their character to continue to work as long and hard as they did. Hopefully, we can keep this momentum up next week in practice and carry it over to our next stretch of matches."

The Dolphins led initially in the match, when Zwikker added her 42nd career goal in the top of the net on assists from freshman forward Jessica Hurtado and sophomore midfielder Emme Graham at the 34th minute of the first half.

With less than 15 minutes remaining n the second half, the Dukes (0-1-0) even the match on a goal from Gia Marino.

The Dukes had chances to win the match in overtime, but freshman goalie Alexa Rooney (2-1-0) made four saves on eight shots to help secure the win.

Rooney finished with 11 saves in the victory, while Morin (0-1-0) made three stops on 14 shots to take the loss in goal.

The Dolphins will have a week of practice before heading to face West Florida in Tallahassee, Fla. on Sunday, September 7. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.