The Truman State Bulldogs, who finished 2005 ranked #13 in the country and who spanked the Panthers 3-0 in the final regular season match last year, came from behind this evening to tie Drury 1-1.
In a game that saw both teams dominate for stretches during the game, it was the Panthers who struck first. Sophomore Tyson Bramley, pictured at left and seeing his first action of the season at holding midfielder, moved up on a corner kick and snuck one by the goalkeeper with an athletic move after Austin Hill kept the ball in the box for the Panthers. The goal came in the 43rd minute and surprised the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs tied the game in the 51st minute on a goal by Drew Vogt. Truman State came out to start the 2nd half the definite aggressors, controlling play and maintaining pressure on the ball. The goal came off of a turnover in the defensive third and Drew quickly moved from the right towards the center of the field. His quick shot through a crowd from outside the box found the upper right corner and the game was knotted at 1-1.
The remainder of the game, including two scoreless overtime periods, saw aggressive play from a pair of teams that already are concentrating on a small group of players, 3 subs for the Panthers and only 4 for the Bulldogs. Mid-season mode already it would seem. Both teams came close, the best opportunity for the Panthers from sr. Austin Hills header just outside the box over a charging GK that was cleared away by a defender midway through the first OT. The Bulldogs had a ball cleared off of the line by sr. Cody Reinberg late in the second OT.
Given the recent strength and results obtained by the Bulldogs, the Panthers can be happy to come away with the tie Sunday evening. It bodes well for their ability to compete in the GLVC in the coming months although I hope they are pissing and moaning about not winning. With three relatively easy games coming up Labor Day weekend, we’ll discover if they are mean enough to go far. By go far, I mean qualifying for the GLVC Tournament this year as the first step. Oh, and how about a shout out to Nick Schlichtman, 2006 Cassville grad and new Truman State Bulldog!
The women earned their first victory of the season in the early, rainy game. With goals from freshman Olivia Phillippart de Foy and sophomore Tina Athanasiadis, on assists from sr. Laura Adams and so. Sarah Goodman respectively, the Panthers shut out Texas A&M – Commerce 2-0.
The women host the Battle of the Ozarks tournament this weekend, with three squads coming in for games on Saturday and Sunday. Game times are 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm.
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