MACOMB, Ill. –
Rebecca Rodgers (Peotone, Ill.) scored a pair of goals for the Drake University women's soccer team in a 2-1 double overtime win at Western Illinois on Sunday afternoon.
Drake, which is 7-3-1 overall, improved its record in overtime contests to 3-0-1 this season. The Bulldogs have won four-straight and are 6-1-1 in their past eight game matches with the lone loss during that span to No. 9 Wisconsin.
Rodgers' goals made history as she is now the program's all-time leader in goals scored with 33 in her decorated career. Rodgers moved past Andrea Schmitz (2002-05) who held the previous top mark with 32 in her outstanding career. Rodgers is now seventh all-time in Missouri Valley Conference history.
The game winner and historic goal came in the 102
nd minute (102:25) as Rodgers collected the ball out wide and beat her defender off the dribble, then beat the Western Illinois (1-8-0) goalkeeper, Jennifer Currie, for the golden goal.
"This was a game we were in complete control of in the first half, with several good chances to go into halftime with a comfortable lead but just couldn't find that second goal," said Drake head coach
Lindsey Horner. "In the second half Western Illinois worked hard, congested the middle and caught us early in transition for their goal. We need to be hitting our mid-season stride and while I want to be happy with the number of great chances we are creating I know we have it in us to be sharper around goal. Everyone is thrilled for Becca on her accomplishment and have confidence that she can keep adding to her goal tally."
Rodgers' first score came in the 21
st minute (21:45) after
Ali Smith (Lenexa, Kan.) played a pass to Rodgers, who had her back turned to the goal and she turned around and chipped it past Currie.
Western Illinois tied the match in the 51
st minute (51:41) as Bianca Romay took a breakaway pass and beat Drake freshman goalkeeper
Kelsie Stone (Hoffman Estates, Ill.). Stone started and played the whole match and finished with a career-best five saves.
Sunday's win is the final non-conference action for Drake, which has a break before league play begins on Sept. 30 when newcomer Valparaiso travels to the Cownie Soccer Complex. First kick against the Crusaders is set for 7 p.m.
"Our non-conference season has involved a variety of styles and formations from our opponent and numerous line-up changes from us," Horner said. "I believe this MVC season will be exciting, every game could be a battle, and that we've done our best to prepare for a successful league season."
