Overtime Goal Keeps Reinhardt's Win Streak Alive

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

WALESKA, Ga. – An overtime score from Brianna Smotherman kept the Eagles on the right track within the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) race on Wednesday night, as she slipped a shot past the Montreat (N.C.) goalkeeper to cap off a 4-3 victory over the Cavaliers in extra time.

Reinhardt had to fight off multiple comebacks by its visitors on this night – but in the end – was able to squeak out the win to improve to 10-1 (10-1 AAC).

"Today was a really good day for our team," head coach Andy Kaplan said. "Ten-game winning streaks are unheard of in college soccer, but our team found a way to extend our streak tonight. Montreat showed us some things we need to tighten up for the conference tournament.

"We will be better prepared after tonight's victory."

A bit of rainy weather appeared to slow the offensive attacks for both teams early, but the Eagles were able to break through in the 40^th minute thanks to a beautifully placed ball from Jasmine Usher. The two squads came back from halftime with the same score on the board, 1-0, until Montreat mistakenly hit a Reinhardt cross into its own net to fall behind, 2-0, at 57:40.

The Cavaliers' Zoe Frenier wouldn't let her club go down quietly, however, as she tallied a pair of goals in the 66^th and 83^rd minute, respectively, to tie the score at 2-2.

Just when everyone thought Montreat had all the momentum, Usher took the ball and streaked down the field and through the defense for an emphatic answer at 82:57. Little did Usher and her teammates know that their lead would be lost again, this time six minutes later, as a header made its way past Reinhardt's Caroline Johnson to force overtime.

Both teams would have chances to leave Ken White Field at University Stadium with a positive outcome, but it was the Eagles who capitalized after a corner kick got knocked right to Smotherman – and she made her attempt count.

The high-scoring affair was low on chances until the second half, and in total, Reinhardt outshot Montreat, 10-8.

Johnson made three saves in 94:47 of action.

The final home contest of the regular season takes place on Saturday afternoon against Bluefield (Va.).

Kickoff is set for Noon. 

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