September 16, 2021
The No. 6 Lady Warriors of East Central Community College dropped their second match of the year on Tuesday, Sept. 14, after a tough 2-1 overtime loss to the Itawamba Community College Indians. The MACCC North Division was played in Fulton and the loss drops ECCC to 4-2, 0-2 on the year, while the Lady Indians improve to 3-2, 2-0.
"It was another tough day for us, but a lot of positives come from that game," said ECCC head coach Ryan Joiner. "We had the better of the game for long periods, but failed to finish any chances and find a game-winner before overtime."
Like some other matches this season, the opening half proved a defensive battle as both teams attempted to organize attacks and find weaknesses in the opponent's defensive lines. The Lady Indians finally broke through with 11 minutes remaining in the first half to take a 1-0 lead into the half.
The Lady Warriors got some looks throughout the half but were unable to finish any attacks. That changed 15 minutes into the second half when Maddison Carroll (Florence) capitalized on a rebound that she sent into the back of the net, for her second goal of the season. Juliana Wells (Poplarville) was credited with the assist on the goal which knotted the match at 1-1.
Both defenses dug their heels in for the remainder of regulation and prevented any goals from coming in. ECCC's Loren Winters (Ocean Springs) had a great outing on the defensive side of the ball and made numerous stops on potential ICC shots on goal.
In the first overtime period, the Lady Indians took advantage of a ball that found its way in front of the 18-yard box. A hard strike found the upper 90 and put the match away with a golden goal.
Belle Miller (Lucedale), Wells, Lily Butcher (Wigan, United Kingdom), Kara Wager (Lucedale), Sasha Clare (Belfast, United Kingdom), and Carroll all posted shots on goal for the Lady Warriors.
"ICC had two really quality chances and finished them both to beat us, but that's soccer," said Joiner. "We have to get ready to host Holmes Tuesday in what feels like a game we need to get points from to remain in contention."
The Warriors host Holmes on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. in a pivotal north division matchup. Fans that cannot attend the match can watch the action live at www.eccclive.com/gold.
