Lady Tiger soccer team pulls out wild 2-1 win

The No. 11-ranked Cowley College women's soccer team got a goal from sophomore Manuela Oliveira with 1.7 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime in its game against Garden City Monday in Arkansas City. The Lady Tigers would then get a goal from sophomore Leticia Belloni eight minutes into the extra session as Cowley pulled out a thrilling 2-1 win.

"It was great to see the fighting spirit of this team," Cowley head coach Roberto dos Santos said. "They never gave up."

Garden City (1-1) got its lone goal from Giovanna Martinez with six minutes left in the first half as the Lady Broncbusters took a 1-0 lead into halftime.

"Our girls were frustrated at halftime, but never got down on themselves," Dos Santos said.

After failing to convert on several scoring opportunities, the Lady Tigers finally broke through when Oliveira scored on a penalty kick with 1.7 seconds remaining in regulation.

"Manuela has a unique composure for a young player," Dos Santos said. "She embraces pressure."

In overtime, Oliveira delivered a beautiful pass to Belloni who was able to score the game-winning goal from 12 yards out. The goal was the second of the season for Belloni.

"That goal was a huge morale boost for the team," Dos Santos said. "We have been working too hard not to win."

Makayla Farquharson earned the win in goal as she stopped five of the six shots she faced.

Cowley (1-1) will return to action Wednesday when they play at Dodge City at 1 p.m. The game will be the first of the season for the Lady Conquistadors.

"It will be another tough game for us," Dos Santos said. "It would mean a lot for us to win on the road."