LAREDO, Texas – Texas A&M International completed a double-overtime comeback to keep pace in the Heartland Conference, doubling the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, 2-1, at the TAMIU Soccer Complex on Monday. The Dustdevils attacking duo of Rebecca Bell and Kim Garcia combined for the victory in the midday meeting.
"Well, it seems like we cannot win unless it is in overtime," TAMIU head coach Claudio Arias said. "Regardless of what period the match concluded in, it was an important Heartland Conference win against a team that is much better than their record shows.
"It was a strong team effort from our girls, dominating almost every component of the game. When you play like that, the right things happen."
The Dustdevils (5-4-1, 3-1 Heartland) won its third match beyond regulation, having played five of their 10 matches into overtime.
TAMIU fell behind in the 31st minute, trailing into halftime and until Bell's breakaway burial in the 63rd minute. The freshman forward from Bramdean, England, scored just her first goal of the season off a Crystal Zapien assist. Bell broke toward the center of the 18-yard box to be served in stride by Zapien's pass.
It took another 44 minutes for the Dustdevils to win the match via Garcia's golden goal in the 107th minute. The junior from Corpus Christi, Texas, struck her team-leading seventh goal and second game winner of the season when senior Jessica Parker produced a precision pass from midfield. Garcia struck from inside the 6-yard box to end the match.
TAMIU goalkeeper Chelsea Knaack and her backline were only beaten on a brilliantly struck ball from midfield, otherwise completing five saves and allowing just six shots on goal. TAMIU doubled that total with 12 shots on frame and 29 total firings.
The Dustdevils return to action on Saturday with a hosting of Dallas Baptist at 5 p.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Adam Geigerman,
Sports Information Director and Promotions Specialist
956-326-3007
AdamS.Geigerman@TAMIU.edu
www.GoDustdevils.com
