Hooverâ?' Late Goal Give Mocs a 1-1 tie with Nova

Alex Hoover’s header in the 86th minute and Martina Tangen Billing's seven saves helped Florida Southern earn a 1-1 tie with Nova Southeastern Wednesday night at the NSU Soccer Complex in Ft. Lauderdale. FSC's record goes to 4-2-1 and 1-0-1 in the Sunshine State Conference, while the Sharks’ record goes to 5-1-1 and 0-0-1 in the SSC.

“This was the most exciting game I’ve watched all year. Both teams competed extremely well,” said Mocs' coach Ben Strawbridge.

The Moccasins came out strong in the first half, taking the first three shots of the game, and kept control of the ball for most of the first 20 minutes. Nova battled back, taking six shots in the first half. The Sharks' best opportunity came in the 41st minute, when Malin Broberg got behind the defenders and dribbled around Tangen Billing for a shot, but Lexie Bottomley made a sliding save to prevent the goal. 

Florida Southern was forced into a defensive stand for most of the second half. In the 50th minute, Tangen Billing saved two Shanoska Young shots from outside the penalty box to keep the game scoreless. The game remained that way until the 85th minute, when Shadia Blair crossed the ball to Broberg, who passed it to Melissa Madden for the goal to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead.

The Moccasins responded less than a minute later, though, when Bottomley sent the ball down the field to Kayla Wilhide, who crossed it to Hoover, who headed the ball into the net to tie the game 1-1. The score remained tied at the end of regulation.

“We defended very well as a unit and we get better each game,” said Strawbridge.

In the first overtime the Sharks had an opportunity at an open net, but Alyssa Abrahamsen knocked the ball out of bounds to keep the score tied.

In the second overtime Tangen Billing made two saves to halt Sharks' attacks. The Moccasins' best opportunity came in the final minute, when Hoover was pushing towards the goal, but the Sharks knocked the ball away just outside the penalty box to keep the score at 1-1.

“Everybody in our league competes extremely well,” said Strawbridge. “I’m excited to go home with a draw.”

The Moccasins return to action Friday night when they host Sunshine State Conference opponent Lynn.  Game time is slated for 7 p.m. at Barnett Field.