LAKE WALES, Fla. – For the second time this season, the Lady Royals soccer team needed extra time to find a winner. After leading 1-0 heading into halftime, the visiting Johnson & Wales University Wildcats tied the game up in the second half and then scored in the second overtime to beat the Lady Royals 2-1 in their 2014 home opener. The loss drops head coach George Arroyo's team to 4-3 on the season and 2-2 in Sun Conference play.
Breanna Martin notched her third goal of the season for the Lady Royals in the 14th minute of play. Beth Lewis drove down the right side of the field and crossed the ball into the Johnson & Wales penalty area. Martin collected the ball after it deflected off teammate Naybet Febo to put the Lady Royals up 1-0. The first half was an even one with both teams registering six shots.
Although the Lady Royals outshot the Wildcats 14-5 in second half, Michelle Mejia tied the game in the 69th minute, scoring an unassisted goal. Wildcats goalkeeper, Jaeda Smith made nine saves in the second half to send the game into overtime.
The Lady Royals dominated the first overtime period, recording four shots and controlling time of possession. Jordan Martin nearly put it away for the home team but a Wildcats defender made a goal-line save with under three minutes remaining in the first overtime.
Michelle Mejia was the hero for Johnson & Wales, scoring on a first-time shot just two minutes into the second ten minute overtime period. The Lady Royals tried to clear the ball out of danger but Mejia was waiting and pounced on her opportunity.
Courtney Anderson made four saves in goal for the Lady Royals in her fifth start of the season. Jamie Murray finished with a game-high eight shots and placed four on frame. Nine different players recorded shots for the Lady Royals.
On Sunday, Oct. 5 the Lady Royals will host Sun Conference opponent Northwood University (Fla.) at 3 p.m. out at Royals Field.
