ISABEL STROPICH WITH THE GOLDEN GOAL TO BRING HOME A CARDINAL WIN FOR @CUAAWS_ ❗️��#GoCards | #IzzyIce pic.twitter.com/UyPyYhNlZW
— Concordia Cardinals (@CUAACardinals) September 2, 2021
(Ann Arbor, MI) The Cardinal women's soccer team took to Cardinal Stadium for their home opener Wednesday night against Albion College. A highly contested match through regulation led to two overtimes and an eventual golden goal from Isabel Stropich for the Cardinal win. The Cardinals moved to 2-1 on the young season, giving up just two goals through three matches.
The first half featured strong defense from both sides of the field with neither team conceding much. Kiera Savage had the best look of the half for Concordia, beating the goalkeeper but striking the crossbar. Anna Roman tallied 4 saves in the first half on her way to 10 total saves and Concordia's first clean sheet of the season.
The Cardinal attack came out aggressively in the second half, not giving the Briton defense much room to breathe. Concordia earned three corner kicks in quick succession in the second period, but was unable to capitalize. The game was forced into overtime, with golden goal rules in play.
Both sides came out of the gate quickly in overtime as Concordia attempted a set play off of the kickoff. Anna Roman came up with a pair of clutch saves for the Cardinals to preserve the shutout using everything from her feet to her head to keep Concordia alive.
With just under two minutes remaining Isabel Stropich gained possession of the ball around 35 yards from goal on the left flank and turned up field. The junior forward beat a pair of defenders inside the 18-yard box and then launched a shot just over the outstretched arms of the Albion goalie to end the game.
The Cardinals will return to the pitch next Wednesday, September 8th, when they play host to the Pilots from Bethel. Kick off is set for 1 PM at Cardinal Stadium.
