Otahks lose exhibition shootout with Drury

Drury won on penalty kicks 5-4 after regulation play ended in a 2-2 tie.

By Marty Mishow ~ Southeast Missourian

Southeast Missouri State University's women's soccer team ended its two-game exhibition schedule without a victory, but coach Heather Nelson felt much better about Sunday afternoon's performance than she had Friday night.

The Otahkians dominated play most of the way against Drury University but could only manage a 2-2 tie in regulation before the visitors from Springfield, Mo., prevailed 5-4 in penalty kicks before a crowd of about 125 at Houck Stadium.

Friday, the Otahkians were dominated as Memphis posted a 3-1 victory. Southeast opens the regular season Friday at home against Arkansas.

"Today we played better, we created more chances," Nelson said. "We didn't put a good game together against Memphis."

Southeast held a 17-9 edge in shots Sunday, along with a 10-4 advantage in corner kicks. The Otahkians had at least 10 good scoring chances but, other than their two goals, they either missed the net or were stymied by Drury keeper Brittany Kimbro, who had a strong game.

"We had all kinds of chances. We dominated the game, but we just couldn't score," senior forward Erin Slattery said. "But I don't think not winning the exhibition games is a big deal. I think we're going to be really good this year."

Drury led 1-0 at halftime on a goal by Kasey Mahaffey.

The Otahkians tied it early in the second half as Slattery scored from in close, with assists from freshmen Emily Newsham and Alaina Lacopo.

Drury went back on top 2-1 with about 10 minutes remaining as Sarah Core scored on a free kick from about 22 yards out.

Southeast tied it again with about four minutes left in regulation as freshman Margie Schaeffler headed in a corner kick from junior Megan Hejlek.

Instead of playing an actual overtime, the squads decided to use penalty kicks to decide the outcome. Both teams scored on four of their five attempts, meaning the shootout would continue. But after Drury's Jill Spence converted in the sixth round, Hejlek shot wide to give the Panthers the victory.

The Otahkian again played their two keepers one half each, with senior and returning regular Amanda Wrzos getting the first half while senior newcomer Carina Souza got the second half. Souza then worked the penalty kick shootout.