Feldmarschall Ali Gibson and ISU tied Utah State yesterday in an exciting and stalemated match that lasted all of regulation and two overtimes. ISU played very well, as did Utah State; both teams were very scrappy and physical (including a beautiful hit by #28, freshman Laura Benson). Also, both teams felt the total anguish at hitting the crossbar in hopeful oh-so-close goals (Rachel Strawn grazed the crossbar in the first overtime and USU almost got theirs in the second overtime round). This was a highly anticipated game, as Utah State entered the game with a #1preseason ranking in the Western Athletic Conference. I don't believe in moral victories but that we tied with what should be the WAC Champion says a lot about our competitiveness.
Other Stuff You May Have Missed Because A Tie Merits More Breakdowns:
Housekeeping
Bailey Williams had a field day protecting the goaline. In fact, it was definitely one of the best outings I have ever seen from a goalie for any team. She really kept the house clean Sunday, saving 7 shots all on her own. This shutout of hers was her 5th career shutout, as it should also be mentioned. Basically, she's a kickass goalie!
In Honor of Our Family
ISU played the game in honor of Ashley Askwig, who learned last week she was no longer able to play the game she loves so much. In one of her most memorable highlights, Skwig scored the gamewinner against Utah State in 2008, her freshman season in (guess what) double overtime with 16 seconds left. We love you Ashley and you will always be family!
A Hard-Fought Rivalry
ISU and Utah State have always been ferocious rivals in soccer. The game for 3 out of the last 4 has gone to overtime and the overall series is an even 5-5-1, with that lone tie coming yesterday.
Crossbars...Nuts!
ISU and USU kept hitting the crossbars at the most heartrending moments, all of them potential gamewinners in the overtime period. For the whole game, USU outshot ISU 17-13, and led ISU in shots on goal, 7-2 (see how awesome Bailey is?).
No Victory March Today
As the Koniggratzer Marsch is the victory march, and ties are not victories (even though this was one great game) there shall be no march today. Hopefully this Friday will see the images of Prussian awesomeness return to ISU Soccer.
ISU should hopefully have a great practice and win the Govnah's Cup this weekend, which would be our first since my freshman year in Fall 2007. Let's get it guys!
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