Western Illinois women defeat Oral Roberts

TULSA, Okla. – Ali Smyth's header in the 102nd minute gave Western Illinois a thrilling 1-0 double-overtime win over Oral Roberts, Sunday, Oct. 25.

The game-winner came when Kellie Julius sent a corner kick in from the left side and Smyth knocked in a header for her team-leading fourth goal of the season.

"This was the biggest win of the season for us," Western Illinois head coach Tony Guinn said. "We're on a roll right now and everyone on our team played really hard today. Kellie sent in a fantastic corner kick and Ali nailed it home for us again."

The Fighting Leathernecks saw their record improve to 6-7-1 overall and 3-3-1 in The Summit League. The Golden Eagles fell to 6-9-0 overall and 3-4-0 in league play.

"Both teams played really well today," Guinn said. "I thought Oral Roberts was very well coached and played extremely hard as well. We got the only corner kick in overtime and that really was the difference today. It all came down to one play and we were able to capitalize."

Western had a chance to take the lead late in the second half, but Oral Roberts goalkeeper Amanda Wheeler was able to stop a shot from Kellie Julius to preserve the tie.

In a match that saw over 100 scoreless minutes, the Golden Eagles outshot Western by an 18 to 12 margin, including an eight to seven advantage in shots on goal.

Julius and Smyth led the Leathernecks with two shots on goal. Kelly Diershow, Katie Condon and Abby Davis each chipped in with one shot on goal apiece.

Western Illinois committed 16 fouls to the Golden Eagles 12 and totaled five corner kicks to Orel Roberts' three.

Laura Atkinson made the start in goal for the Leathernecks, picking up her first career shutout while making eight saves on the day.

The Leathernecks will return to action at home against IPFW at 3:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30.