WEST CHESTER, Pa.- Kianna Barber (Browns Mills, N.J./BCIT) scored her sixth goal of the season and sixth in seven games as the West Chester University women's soccer team (5-1-3, 3-1-3) battled to a 1-1 draw with No. 17 Shepherd (3-0-5, 2-0-5) on Saturday afternoon on Rockwell Field.
Barber opened the scoring for West Chester in the 18
th minute off an assist from
Lauren Reimold (Chester Springs, Pa./Downingtown East) to give the Golden Rams an early 1-0 lead.
Shepherd found the equalizer just over 15 minutes later when Lydia Gable converted a bouncing ball in the box off an Annabelle Wunderlich corner to tie the match at 1-1.
West Chester ended the first half with a 12-7 lead in shots and a 7-4 lead in shots on goal, although the Rams had a slim 2-0 lead in corners.
Lindsey Balmer (Perkasie, Pa./Pennridge) generated a stellar chance in the 65
th minute as she carried the ball out of the back and down the sideline to get a great shot off, but Hannah Wilt made a diving stop to keep the game tied at 1-1.
West Chester continued to pressure its guests as the second half continued, nearly getting the game-winning goal from Barber, but she was ruled offside as the score remained even at 1-1.
Shepherd had its share of chances throughout the waning moments of regulation as well, perhaps none better than a shot from Sarah Peternel, which
Grace Keen (Lincoln University, Pa./Avon Grove) leaped into the air and punched the shot just high over the crossbar with just under 10 minutes to play in regulation.
Despite the 1-1 draw, West Chester ended the game with a 25-13 lead in shots and an 11-7 lead in shots on goal, while Shepherd finished the afternoon with a slim 3-2 lead in corners.
As impressive as both early goals were for West Chester and Shepherd, the play of Keen and Wilt was the story of the afternoon as both keepers were excellent, making six and 10 saves, respectively, to quiet two of the PSAC's most dynamic offensive units.
Up Next:
West Chester will be back in action on Wednesday afternoon at home against Millersville, beginning at 2 p.m.
