(This story was originated by Gavin Lang, Associate Athletic Director for Communications at Oklahoma State University.)
STILLWATER – Gabriella Coleman scored a golden goal in the 98th minute to lift the No. 18 Oklahoma State soccer team to a 2-1 overtime victory over Notre Dame in Neal Patterson Stadium Sunday. The goal originated with Olyvia Dowell, who possessed the ball on the left side and had the patience to wait for Coleman to come back onside after she had made a run. When the time was right, Dowell played the ball outside to Coleman, who found herself isolated against Notre Dame goalkeeper Jaina Eckert. The right-footed Coleman brought the ball to the edge of the six-yard box and fired a left-footed shot that hit the bottom of the cross bar and slammed down into the net.
Oklahoma State Athletics
Coleman celebrates winning goal in overtime vs. Notre Dame.
OSU improved to 12-3-1 on the season after securing the win despite playing without All-America defender Kim Rodriguez, who was on international duty playing for the Mexican National Team.
The game was evenly played throughout. Notre Dame held a narrow 10-9 advantage in shots and both teams finished with five shots on goal and six corner kick attempts.
Dowell and Coleman teamed up to open the scoring in the 19th minute, when Coleman played a low cross in from the left side. Megan Haines made an intelligent near-post run to throw off the Notre Dame defense and the ball rolled through to Dowell, who hammered home her 10th goal of the season from short range.
Oklahoma State Athletics
Hannah Webb celebrated senior day against the Irish,
The Fighting Irish leveled the score just a few minutes after, when Maddie Mercado’s free kick from just outside the area caromed in off the crossbar in the 27th minute.
The two teams both had their opportunities to take the lead in the second half, with the most dangerous threat coming from Notre Dame in the 67th minute, but Cowgirl goalkeeper Emily Plotz made a remarkable diving save in her first game back after missing OSU’s last three outings.
Oklahoma State now awaits its fate for the NCAA tournament. The 48-team field and bracket will be revealed at noon CT on Monday, April 19 on NCAA.com.
