PULASKI, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee Southern women's soccer team erased a late deficit Saturday night, scoring in the 86th minute to secure a 3-3 draw against the Eastern Oregon Mountaineers at Grissom Pitch. The Firehawks move to 1-1-1 on the season, while Eastern Oregon leaves Pulaski with a 2-1-1 record.
UT Southern controlled much of the opening half and took a deserved lead in the 22nd minute. Riho Masuya found Luella Cramer in the attacking third, and the freshman striker finished for her first goal of the season to put the Firehawks ahead 1-0.
The Firehawks continued to pressure throughout the half, outshooting the Mountaineers and generating several dangerous opportunities. Kamilia Tayebi nearly doubled the lead when she struck the post in the 32nd minute before UT Southern earned a penalty kick later in the half. Ashanti Lewis drew the foul that set up the opportunity, and Millie Rayner calmly converted from the spot in the 36th minute for her first goal of the season, giving the Firehawks a 2-0 advantage heading into the break.
Eastern Oregon responded quickly after halftime, cutting the deficit in half just over five minutes into the second period. The Mountaineers continued to build momentum and found the equalizer in the 73rd minute before taking their first lead of the match with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Facing a 3-2 deficit late, the Firehawks answered once again. In the 86th minute, Lewis found the back of the net for her first goal of the season, leveling the match at 3-3 and helping UT Southern earn the draw.
The Firehawks finished with advantages in shots (17-13) and corner kicks (7-3). Cramer and Lauren Mercer led the attack with four shots apiece, while Rayner and Tayebi each added three attempts.
Sam De Gier recorded three saves in goal for UT Southern as the Firehawks picked up their first draw of the season.
UT Southern returns to action on Thursday, Sept. 10, when the Firehawks travel to West Point, Georgia, to face Point University. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
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