Alva, Okla. - Northwestern Oklahoma State Soccer team finished in a tie against Harding University Tuesday afternoon in Enid, Oklahoma, following the schedule change due to the weather conditions on Rangers Field.
The Red-and-Black move to 0-3-1 on the season and in Great American Conference play, as Harding University moves to 1-1-1 in both conference play and on the 2021 spring season.
Northwestern finished the match with five different players having at least one shot. Alyssa Nunez finished the game with three shots on goal to lead the Rangers. Natalie Leathers was second as she finished the game with two shots on goal with three overall. Lily Anderson, Faith Nino, and Reilly Marks each had one shot.
Reyna Gonzalez started the game in net for the Rangers and would finish the afternoon with nine save on as many attempts for her first shutout of the 2021 season.
In the opening half, the Rangers and the Bisons would battle through a scoreless first half. The opening minutes of the match were extremely defensive as neither team would allow a shot as possession would constantly change through the opening minutes. Harding took the first shot on goal around the eight-minute mark of the first half, which Gonzalez saved to the right side. The Bisons would have another scoring chance a minute later, but once again, Gonzalez would make the save, this time to the left.
The halfway point in the opening half remained 0-0. After a couple of Harding changes, Northwestern was able to clear it from a goal kick. The visiting team would have a few more chances following that moment, but Gonzalez stopped everything that would go her way.
The opening half-completed at 0-0 as Gonzalez made seven saves on goal in the opening half. The Rangers were outshot 10-0 and 7-0 on goal.
The second half would start the same with the Bisons in possession, but after two quick Harding shots, the momentum would swing. The Red-and-Black would net their first shot on goal at the 65-minute mark by Lily Anderson; however, the shot would be saved left. The Rangers would have the next three shots all on goal, but Jenni Nadeau, the Bisons goalkeeper, would save all shots she faced to that point.
The Red-and-Black would continue to add pressure in the second half, as the Rangers would have a corner kick opportunity at the 80-minute mark, but Harding was able to clear with no damage done. Nunez would then follow with two shots around the 85-minute mark, but Nadeau was able to save everything she faced.
The Rangers had the second-half advantage in shots 7-2 on goal in the second half. Harding had a 9-7 advantage for the game totals heading into overtime. Harding held an 18-7 advantage on shots for the game. The Bisons would have six corner kick tries to a Rangers one to this point.
The opening overtime was all defense between the Rangers and Bison as both teams would hold either one from getting a shot off via on or off the goal. Harding had their best chance on a corner kick try, but the Red-and-Black defense would not allow a shot off it.
In the second overtime, the Rangers built momentum to start and held control throughout the second extra 10 minute period. The Red-and-Black kept possession the majority of the overtime. Northwestern was able to have three shots in the second overtime including one one goal. The Rangers had one corner kick to zero for Harding. After the Bisons made the final save on the last shot the game would end 0-0 Tuesday afternoon.
Up Next:
The Rangers will be back in action as they play host to Southern Nazarene (0-4) on Saturday afternoon, with kickoff set for 1:00 PM against the Crimson Storm on Rangers Field, then will conclude the regular season Tuesday, March 30th in Alva.
For the latest news and updates on NWOSU Women's Soccer, follow @NWOSUAthletics on TWITTER or visit www.riderangersride.com.
