Box Score SAN ANTONIO — Non-stop, heavy rain drenched Sigma Beta Chi Field Friday night as the Rattlers spurred for a two-goal comeback to overtake Texas A&M International 2-1 in overtime in a non-conference matchup that became unfriendly with five yellows and one red card drawn.
Kaitie Kasperitis netted both goals in the overtime victory to put St. Mary's Women's Soccer on a two-game winning streak and bring her just five goals away from tying the program's career goals record currently set at 34.
The Rattlers controlled the game offensively throughout the three periods, recording 20 total shots to TAMIU's nine, but went into the break scoreless along with the Dustdevils (1-3-3). TAMIU drew their first of four yellows for the game just before halftime, foreshadowing a heated match ahead.
As the rain continued to heavily pour into the second half, the intensity of the game quickly heightened with TAMIU becoming increasingly aggressive.
St. Mary's was drawn a yellow card off a debated foul in the box two minutes into the second half, granting TAMIU a penalty kick successfully struck in by Kim Garcia to give the Dustdevils a 1-0 lead.
Whistles and cards began to fly deeper into the half with TAMIU given its second yellow card of the game in the 65
th minute for misconduct, followed by a red card in the 69
th minute and yet another yellow card in the 78
th minute.
The Dustdevils drew their fourth and final yellow card in the 83
rd minute. Shortly after, Kasperitis started the comeback.
Down 1-0, Kasperitis (Sr., Corpus Christi, Texas) was awarded a penalty kick with just 44 seconds remaining in the game.
Kasperitis netted the penalty kick to the top shelf, celebrating her fourth goal on the year and a tied match, 1-1.
The Rattlers once again controlled the field in overtime and less than five minutes into the extra play,
Brittney Lacek (Jr., Gillette, Wyo.) set up Kasperitis for the game-winner which caused a wild celebration from StMU for its 2-1 win.
With the comeback, overtime victory, the Rattlers improve to 3-4 on the season.
Keeper
Alyssa Taramona (Jr., Forney, Texas) staved off the Dustdevils with four saves, improving her record to mirror the Rattlers'.
Kasperitis and
Kristal Williams (So., Ponder, Texas) led the squad with four shots with two shot on goal apiece followed by Lacek, whose three shots were all on target.
Katy Primeaux (Fr., Keller, Texas),
Kyla Simek (Sr., Fort Worth, Texas) and
Rachel Gurinsky (Fr., San Antonio) all recorded two shots apiece.
The Rattlers wrap up their non-conference play at 1 p.m. Sunday against Huston-Tillotson at Simga Beta Chi Field.
