Soccer: Aggies survive double OT thriller, defeat North Texas 2-1

With the departure of a large senior class, it was always evident this year’s team would have some growing to do. While the majority of their goal scorers graduated, the main thing they would be missing is experience.

In Sunday’s double overtime 2-1 victory over North Texas, the Aggies gained a ton of it. Until Karlie Mueller’s goal in the 108th minute, it appeared that it might be of the mostly negative variety.

“I’m proud of this team for fighting through a group that was determined not to give them any free space.”

Those were head coach G Guerrieri’s thoughts following the last minute victory. He continued to elaborate on the challenge his team had to battle through.

“When you come in and play a team that had seven card against them, you know they are coming after you. I thought our players did a good job of keeping their head and keeping their wits about them. In the end, I think the better team won.”

Through 45 minutes, both teams were unable to get on the scoreboard. The Aggies put up 15 shots to the Mean Green’s three, but the UNT goalie came to play. She consistently moved both ways and prevented A&M from capitalizing on their opportunities.

For as slow as the first half was, the second was drastically different. Especially in the opening moments.

From 30 yards out, North Texas lifted a shot in from the right side. It took one hop, was deflected and finished into the left side, past a diving Taylor Saucier. The goal put the Mean Green on top 1-0, but lit a fire under the Aggies according to Janae Cousineau

“After that goal, our intensity skyrocketed. We talk a lot about the ‘big five’ and picking up the intensity in the opening minutes of a half, or after giving up a goal. We were determined to not let them touch the ball after that.”

The attitude worked as the Aggies consistently worked the offensive end and pressed the issue. It paid off in the 70th minute when Karlie Mueller lined up for a free kick.

The shot came in from the right side, sliding low through the defense. After bouncing off the goalkeeper, it kicked back into the scrum before Cousineau was able to create some space and finish the equalizer into the back of the net.

From there, the Aggies had their chances, but the Mean Green keeper was there each and every time. She eventually racked up 15 saves, but would allow one more before it was all said and done.

After one overtime period, the Aggies entered the second determined to finish things. With a free kick from thirty yards out, one that was eerily reminiscent of Friday night’s, Mueller slammed the door.

The ball hooked in, took one bounce in front of a jumping Ally Watt, and slammed into the net for the clinching victory.

The Aggies will now take a 9-1 record into South Carolina on Thursday. They’ll be taking more experience, too.