Alabama
9-7-1, 4-3-1
Kentucky
6-9-2, 0-8-0
Alabama Soccer Takes Down Kentucky, 2-1, In Overtime Thriller
10/21/2021 10:42:00 PM | Soccer
Riley Tanner scored the game-winning goal a minute into the first overtime period
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama soccer team (9-7-1, 4-3-1 SEC) clinched an exciting overtime win against the Kentucky Wildcats (6-9-2, 0-8-0 SEC) Thursday night at the Alabama Soccer Stadium. After a tying goal from Reyna Reyes earlier in the match, Riley Tanner netted her third game-winning goal of the season a little over a minute into overtime to give the Tide the win.
Despite the high energy that the Crimson Tide brought to start of the first half, Kentucky was able to get on the board first in the 13th minute after Marissa Bosco collected a through ball and slipped it into the back of the net. Alabama found its response in the 35th minute as midfielder Felicia Knox floated a free kick into the box and found the foot of Tanna Sanchez-Carreto. Carreto then volleyed the ball across the box for Reyes to head into the net.
The Wildcats were dominant in the second half, holding the advantage in shots and shots on goal. However, Alabama's defensive efforts led the two squads into overtime.
The Tide opened the overtime period on the offensive, finding the game-winning moment in the 91st minute. Forward Riley Tanner and midfielder Kat Rogers combined for a give-and-go as Tanner was able to fire a low shot, drilling the ball into the right corner of the goal.
One word: CLUTCH. #RollTide pic.twitter.com/NXbSkBVUfS
— Alabama Soccer (@AlabamaSoccer) October 22, 2021
From Head Coach Wes Hart
"Great win tonight. Not the prettiest game, but we found a way to grind it out and get the result. That's what matters this time of year. We need to pick up points anyway we can get them and three points tonight is massive.
"Incredible game winner by Riley Tanner, set up perfectly by Kat Rogers. Riley has been fantastic these past few weeks. So good on-v-one. Not many teams have been able to stop her. That's her third SEC game winner this season."
Behind the Box Score
- Reyna Reyes and Riley Tanner both netted their third goal of the season. All three of Tanner's goals have been game-winning goals for the Tide.
- Kat Rogers registered her third assist on the year
- Alabama and Kentucky were even in shots, both firing off 10 apiece
- Kentucky's Marissa Bosco recorded her fourth goal of the season
- Alabama led the board in corners, earning 10 compared to the Wildcats' two
- Goalkeepers McKinley Crone (UA) and Lauren Nielsen (UK) each made six saves on the night
- It was the fourth time this season and second consecutive game that the Tide has gone into overtime
- Alabama tied its record for home wins during a single season with nine
- The last time Alabama had nine home wins in a season was 1996
- The Tide has won six consecutive matches at the Alabama Soccer Stadium
Up Next
Alabama will travel to Columbia, S.C., for a Sunday matchup against South Carolina. The game is scheduled for a noon CT kickoff.
Get all the latest information on the team by following @AlabamaSoccer on Twitter and Facebook and AlabamaSoccer on Instagram. General athletic news can also be found at UA_Athletics on Twitter and Instagram and AlabamaAthletics on Facebook.
–UA–
Team Stats
Marissa Bosco (4)
Assisted By: Paige Archbold
Ball over the top by Archbold gave Bosco a one-on-one with the keeper which she pushed to the right of keeper
13:59
Reyna Reyes (3)
Assisted By: Felicia Knox , Tanna Sanchez-Carreto
Free kick from Knox found Sanchez backpost, who directed the ball across the goal with her head to Reyes
35:57
Riley Tanner (3)
Assisted By: Kat Rogers
Rogers back heels a give and go from Tanner who plays it inside the right post
91:14
