Lexington, Ky. – The Transylvania women's soccer team showed off its might and aggression all afternoon long but were unable to find a reward in a 0-0 draw with the Emory & Henry College Wasps on Saturday afternoon at Pat Deacon Stadium.
The Pioneers dominated possession for the majority of the afternoon and earned consistent chances throughout the day, but were denied a breakthrough in claiming their first tie of the season, moving to 4-2-1 overall. Transylvania increased its unbeaten streak to three matches with Saturday's result while Emory & Henry's record changed shape to 4-0-2 on the season.
From the outset, Transylvania signaled its aggression at home with consistent possession and recurring connections in trying to push numbers upfield.
Brooke Puterbaugh tested the Wasps keeper in the third minute with a moderate velocity shot on goal, which the Wasps goalie was up to the task for as the first of many chances were left unanswered. Abby Baker and Emilie Yates each took aim in the ensuing minutes but were again denied at goal. The final quarter-hour of the opening half saw few opportunities for either side but the Pioneers surged again to begin the second half.
The 61st minute provided the Pioneers with a prime scoring opportunity as Meredith Campbell won a 1 v 1 battle with her defender and let loose on a hard shot that blasted past the Wasp keeper, but just glanced wide left of the post. Puterbaugh unleashed another boot that was saved with 18 minutes to go in regulation as the Wasps held firm.
An ensuing failed clearance by the Wasps in the 79th minute was intercepted by Rachel Green. The sophomore beat one defender but delivered a one-timer that went high over the crossbar as the Wasps breathed another sigh of relief. Ainsley Bender tried to answer the bell with two shots in the final five minutes, but the Emory & Henry defense responded to each attack in kind to force overtime.
Transylvania consistently earned corner kicks in overtime to manifest more scoring chances, but the Wasps held on to secure their second draw of the season. Abby Dean parked deep inside the box on a corner kick in the 97th minute and created position for a header, but the contact glanced high over the crossbar. Bender and Natali Francis tried to create more magic for the Pioneers with additional late-minute shots, but their attempts were also denied.
Transylvania overpowered Emory & Henry, 22 to 4 in total shots on the afternoon with Puterbaugh and Yates each leading the way with two shots on goal each. Morgan Patton earned her third clean sheet of the season.
The Pioneers look to sharpen their run of form on Wednesday, September 22 against the Berea College Mountaineers at Pat Deacon Stadium. The match is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. kick.
For more on Transylvania women's soccer, follow @TransyWSoccer on Twitter
