Grytza Wins It In OT vs TLU

IRVING, Texas - The Crusaders picked up their second win of the season to improve to 2-2 on the year.  They did so in dramatic fashion, scoring the game-winning goal in the first period of overtime to defeat Texas Lutheran 1-0.

The Crusaders were the dominant team for much of the first half, enjoying the majority of the possession and spending much of their time in the attacking half. The Bulldogs st back and were very conservative in their approach, but did threaten with some quick counter-attacks.

The Crusaders were quite dangerous all game, finding themselves frequently in and around the Bulldogs 18-yard box. But the Bulldogs game plan seems to be working, as the Crusaders struggled to create very meaningful chances.

The Best chance of the first half came inside the final 10 minutes, when a corner kick met the head of Bekah Gonzalez wide open on the back post. She made clean contact, but her header was stopped before it could reach the goal, blocked by a defender. With three minutes left in the half, Claire Reed had another excellent chance on goal, taking an open shot from the top of the box with her left foot. She hit it clean and true and with excellent power behind it, but couldn't find either corner as the Bulldogs keeper was able to hold on to the shot. 

The first half ended scoreless, despite the Crusaders looking very much the better team.

The Crusaders dominance continued in the second half, but still had no result to show for all their efforts.  Both teams had their share of chances, as the Bulldogs managed to carve out a few opportunities on the counter, but 90 mintues wouldn't be enough to decide it as they game went to overtime.

The match was nearly over as soon as the overtime period started, as Britney Zapata made her way through onto goal not even 30 seconds into the period.  She was one-on-one with the keeper for a brief moment, but the defender managed to swoop in and deflect her shot at the last second.  Finally, with a second overtime period looming, the Crusaders had their reward.  Olivia Grytza buried the ball in the back of the net from eight yards out after a frantic scramble in front of goal to give UD the 1-0 win.

Up Next

The Crusaders play the final game of their homestand this Friday at 5:00 p.m., hosting Concordia University.