LITTLE ROCK – Bergros Asgeirsdottir struck for the second time in as many games, notching the equalizer against South Alabama in the 85th minute, and the Trojan defense thwarted an aggressive Jaguar attack to earn a 1-1 double overtime draw Sunday afternoon at Coleman Sports Complex.
"I'm really proud of the girls for the effort today," said head coach
Mark Foster. "We know what South Alabama brings – they've won the league seven times in the last eight years – and you've got to respect your opponent and have a game plan to stop them.
"Our game plan today was to be disciplined and to be tough mentally. We were trying to let them have the ball in certain areas, and trying to press in certain areas, and try to be brave and attack when had our opportunity. It's a tough game plan to buy into, but the girls did, and I think it worked. I think a draw is a fair result."
Facing the top offensive team in the league, South Alabama fired 23 shots on the afternoon, compared to just six for Little Rock, including seven on goal. But the Trojan defense limited the Jaguars to just one goal in the 72nd minute as goalkeeper
Paige Henry registered six saves.
A hand ball in the box in the 85th minute by South Alabama set up Asgeirsdottir for another opportunity on the penalty kick. Her initial shot to the right side of the goal was saved by the Jaguar goalkeeper, but the shot deflected back out into play, and Asgeirsdottir was able to punch her own rebound into the right side, tying the game at 1-1.
"I can't say it enough - she's an amazing player, and an amazing leader," Foster said. "She's a great soccer player, and I'm at a loss for words for what she does for this team. She's now our all-time leader in minutes and appearances. We've needed her to step up the last two game, and she did.
Little Rock and South Alabama both had their chances near the end of regulation, as well as into overtime, including a Jaguar shot in the 95th minute that deflected off the left upright. Defense ruled the second overtime period as neither team was able to generate a shot attempt, leading to the 1-1 draw.
Julia Edholm joined Asgeirsdottir with a pair of shots on the afternoon while
Jana Heinen was the only other Trojan to put a shot on net. Six Trojans played over 100 minutes, including Asgeirsdottir, Edholm,
Fanney Einarsdottir and
Allison Morrison playing all 110 minutes.
Natalee Geren played 106 minutes for Little Rock with
Sofia Karlholm adding 102.
The draw moves Little Rock's all-time record against South Alabama to 6-20-3, marking the second-straight draw against the Jaguars after the 2-2 semifinal tie in the 2020 Sun Belt tournament. The draw also earns Little Rock one point in the conference standings.
There will be little rest for the weary as the Trojans will hit the road for the rescheduled match at Mississippi Valley State on Tuesday, September 21. Opening draw against the Devilettes is set for 4 p.m. in Itta Bena, Mississippi.
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