Erdmann's Double Earns Islanders 2-2 Tie

LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Texas A&M-Corpus Christi women's soccer team entered Sunday's road match at McNeese needing a positive result from its final game away from the Dugan Soccer Stadium this year.
 
Backed by a brace (two-goals) from Brooke Erdmann and a solid outing by goalkeeper Jordan Wainwright, the Islanders (3-13-1, 3-6-1) battled for 110 minutes to earn a 2-2 draw against the Cowgirls (8-8-1, 4-5-1).
 
"We never stopped today," said head coach Shanna Caldwell. "The team had a great recovery session and fun team activities yesterday. We took that positive vibe and family atmosphere to the pitch today. It was tough going down earlier, and it wasn't our best half.
 
"That said, with the adjustments made at halftime, the second half was a different game. We told them to trust in themselves and to believe. We had plenty of time to get the equalizer and then go ahead. They made that happen."
 
A&M-Corpus Christ emerged from the halftime break down 1-0, after McNeese struck in the 29th minute off the foot of Kayla Goedicke.
 
Erdmann notched her first goal of the day, just 63 seconds into the second half. Meghan Cordero curled a free kick to the back post, where Erdmann finished on the volley from the corner of the six-yard box to equalize the match.
 
Cordero and Erdmann teamed up again four minutes from time with a goal that appeared to give the Blue and Green a 2-1 victory. From nearly an identical spot on the pitch, Erdmann headed home a Cordero free kick at the top of the six-yard box.
 
The last minute winner was washed out with 93 seconds remaining in regulation. McNeese midfielder Gabi D'Alesandro's free kick that bounced inside the six-yard box. Before the Islanders cleared their lines, Savannah LaRicci pounced on the loose ball to level the match.
 
Jordan Wainwright turned aside seven shots on the afternoon, including a pair of crucial stops in the overtime periods. Erdmann nearly gave the Blue and Green the victory early in extra frame with a long-range volley, but Cowgirls goalkeeper Annie Bravenec was able to make the save. Neither side was able to create concrete chances in the extra periods.
 
"It's frustrating giving up the tying goal with 90 seconds to play," added Caldwell. "In this game, you can't lose focus for a split second. The difference is, as a team, we have a strong mentality and resolve to bounce back. We didn't quit. We attacked. We had some great looks in both overtimes, but we couldn't get the final bounce to go. This is still a big result for us. A hard-battled game on the road, on a Sunday and getting a point is still a positive for the team."
 
ERDMANN'S EFFORTS
• Redshirt-junior Brooke Erdmann tied the school record for goals in a game with two on Sunday afternoon, joining Yvette Franco as the only other player in Islanders history to reach that mark.
• Erdmann jumped to the team lead in goals scored this season with four, assists with two and points with 10.
• The Deer Park native moved from fourth to second in career goals scored with six strikes.
 
"I've just been fighting really hard," said Erdmann. "When I get one goal, I just want more. My teammates are playing me good balls in, and I'm just trying my hardest to get on the end of them, and not stop till it's in the net. Working with Shayla and Yvette is fun, and we read each other well."
 
UPCOMING MATCH
The Islanders head into the regular season finale next Friday against Houston Baptist at the Dugan Soccer Stadium. Kickoff for Islanders' Soccer annual Kicking Cancer game is set for 7 p.m.
 
"We focus our attention on next Friday night," continued Caldwell. "We need to come out to train with the focus and energy that we've had and continue to do the little things. We're very excited to be back at the Jack."

STAY SOCIAL

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