Women’s Soccer Plays American to 1-1 Draw

Saturday, October 10

West Point, N.Y.

6:30 PM

Army West Point

4-8-2, 2-1-2Patriot

American

4-7-2, 1-2-2Patriot

OT 1

OT 2

American

Army West Point

Women’s Soccer Plays American to 1-1 Draw

October 10, 2015 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

WEST POINT, N.Y. – Candace Stewart's 80th minute goal leveled the score as the Army West Point women's soccer team played American to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Clinton Field.

Army controlled the match, outshooting American 27-5 and also held a 14-1 edge in corner kicks, but the Eagles took advantage of their limited chances and received excellent goalkeeping from Courtney Bembenek.

"I thought we played very well," head coach Marcia McDermott said following the match. "We emphasize shots on goal and our team created quality scoring chances."

Army and American each gained a point in the Patriot League standings, with the Black Knights moving to 4-8-2 overall and 2-1-2 in the conference. The Eagles now stand at 4-7-2 and 1-2-2 in the Patriot League.

The first quality chance of the night came 20 minutes into the contest when the Black Knights forced a turnover in the midfield. That led to Kayleigh Stallings playing an angled ball to Holder near the top of the box where she let loose a right-footed shot that was handled by Bembenek.

Moments later, as Army continued to dictate the action, Stewart entered the match and quickly made an impact with a shot that slid just wide of the near post.

Army's pressure was constant as Holder had another attempt saved by a diving Bembenek in the 27th minute.

Stewart nearly put the Black Knights on the board in the final moments of the first half when Madison McGinn sent her into the penalty area. Consecutive right-footed attempts were stopped by Bembenek as the rebound bounced right back to Stewart following the initial shot.

Despite Army's 10-3 advantage in shots, the teams remained scoreless due in large part to Bembenek's five saves before the break.

American found the game's first goal in the 62nd minute. Marley Jennings controlled in the midfield before sending a pass wide to Yari Bradfield on the left side. Bradfield sent a cross into the mix for Kelly Donovan, who one-timed a shot that deflected past Army goalie Jordan Cassalia.

Stewart had a nice run down the left side result in a chance with 15 minutes remaining, but her left-footed shot was right into Bembenek's chest and the deficit remained at one.

A minute later, Bembenek once again had Holder's number and turned away a strike targeted for the lower corner. Another two chances a minute later on an Army corner were stopped by Bembenek. Holder's header was knocked back and then Stewart had a shot saved by the Eagles' keeper.

The Black Knights refused to give in and finally tied the match on Stewart's first tally of the year. A Cassalia punt was flicked on by Clare Shea's head and ran onto by Stewart, who fought off two defenders and fired a shot off the inside of the post and in. The goal came at 79:20.

"Candace made a big difference tonight," McDermott added. "She has been playing well this season and creating opportunities and it was good she got one tonight. It was well-deserved with the effort she has put in and the quality of play she has been having this year."

Holder nearly won the game in the final seconds with a shot that missed just wide of the near post and the two teams went into overtime.

"Obviously we would have liked to come away with the three points with the effort we put forth tonight," McDermott continued. "Every game in the Patriot League is this type of battle and we will build from here."

The Black Knights are back in action next Saturday, Oct. 17, when they travel to Baltimore, Md., for a matchup with Loyola. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and the match can be seen live on the Patriot League Network.

Game Notes: American leads the all-time series 5-4-8 … Shea recorded her third assist of the season … Stewart's goal was the sixth of her career.