Rattlers Win Overtime Thriller Behind Copeland's Golden Goal

THE RECAP
The St. Mary's Rattlers overcame two seperate two-goal deficits to stun Texas A&M Commerce in double overtime, 4-3. Megan Copeland delivered the knockout blow, sending the golden goal into the net three minutes into the second overtime stanza.

The Lions came out on fire scoring two early goals in the first 10 minutes of the game, both off of steals in the Rattler half of the field. The Rattlers had 2 opportunities in the final ten minutes of the half, but one shot hit the crossbar and the other was blocked by the Lions' goalkeeper.

The Rattlers came out of the halftime break looking more aggressive and motivated and scored their first goal in the 48th minute off of a goal inside the box from Juni Ejere on a accurate cross from Eliza Merrion. Shortly after, the Lions came back down the field and got a shot off of a rebound right into the left corner of the net for a 3-1 lead. But the Rattlers weren't done scoring either. Miranda Narvaez answered with her own goal inside the box after she weaved through the Lions' defense. In the 78th minute, a trailing Megan Copeland found a ball right at the top of the box and she drove it right by the goalkeeper to tie the game at 3-3. 

In the second overtime period, with seven minutes remaining, Megan Copeland had a free kick at the top right side of the box, and she hit a strike into the back side of the net, right by the goalkeeper's extended arms for the win. The Rattlers have now won back to back games and look to build on that going into Saturday's matchup.

THREE THINGS TO KNOW
- This was the Rattlers first victory against Texas A&M Commerce since 2015.
- Juni Ejere has now scored a goal in each of the Rattlers last two victories. 
- This was a pretty evenly matched game throughout, with both teams having 8 shots on goal

HEAD COACH KEVIN DRIGGS ON WEDNESDAY'S VICTORY
"Great Win on the road. I thought being down 3-1 and fighting back to win in 2OT truly shows the heart and resilience that this team has. I am beyond proud of this group."

UP NEXT
The Rattlers return home to Sigma Beta Chi Field on Saturday October 30th to host West Texas A&M. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.