Friday repeat: Griz knock off Boise State in double overtime

September 2, 2011
Junior Erin Craig scored in the 107th minute – her second goal of the game – to lead the University of Montana soccer team to a 2-1 double-overtime victory over Boise State Friday afternoon at the Governor’s Cup in Moscow, Idaho. At 3-0 the Grizzlies are off to their best start in program history. Montana opened its season two weeks ago with a 4-3 double-overtime victory against the Broncos, winning in the 108th minute in a match at Boise, Idaho. Playing Friday at a neutral site, Montana created the better early opportunities. The Grizzlies put two shots on goal in the opening three minutes, had a pair of early corner kicks and out-shot the Broncos 7 to 3 in the first 30 minutes, but Boise State (1-4-0) got on the board first when Kati Lucas scored her second goal of the season at 30:55. Her shot from 18 yards out beat sophomore keeper Kendra McMillen inside the left post. “I thought we came out right from the start and played really well,” first-year coach Mark Plakorus said. “We were much better in our attack and at keeping possession of the ball and creating chances. “We could have hung our heads after giving up the goal because we were playing really well and had nothing to show for it, but we kept fighting in the second half and believing in what we were doing.” Craig evened the score in the 64th minute. From the left side of the field, sophomore India Watne played the ball toward the front of the goal, and Craig was there for her third goal of the season. “Erin played a great running through-ball,” Plakorus said. “She took it out of the air in full volley and finished it.” Junior keeper Kristen Hoon replaced McMillen at the half and kept Boise State scoreless the final 61:57. Sophomore Mary Makris had two golden opportunities in the first overtime. Her shot from the top of the box with under 10 seconds remaining hit the crossbar. Boise State’s Janelle Jin put a shot off the crossbar just over three minutes into the second overtime, then Craig scored the winner at 106:57. Craig took possession off a throw-in from the right sideline. She turned and put a shot on goal from the corner of the 18-yard box that beat BSU keeper Liz Ruiz high and inside the left post. Craig may have scored both goals, but her game-winner was the 27th shot of the match for the balanced Grizzlies. Montana put 13 of its 27 shots on goal. “Everybody is getting opportunities, but Erin just works so incredibly hard to put herself in the right situations,” Plakorus said. “And when she gets the ball in a position to score, she’s composed enough to finish.” Eight different players took at least two shots for Montana, which out-shot Boise State 27 to 22. Just five of the Broncos’ shots were on goal. The Grizzlies also took six corner kicks to the Broncos’ one. “Overall I was very pleased with our effort for the entire game,” Plakorus said. “We’re playing with a lot of energy, and the players are showing that they have a lot of confidence in themselves and in their teammates.” Montana will face Idaho Sunday at 2:30 p.m. (MT). The Vandals (0-2-2) played Idaho State (3-0-0) Friday evening in the Governor’s Cup second match. Notes: Montana’s eight goals through three matches are as many as the Grizzlies scored in all 18 matches last season. … Craig led Montana with seven shots, putting five on goal. … Junior Ashley Tombelaine took five shots, with three on goal, Watne took four shots, and junior Lauren Costa took three shots, with two on goal. … Craig has scored a goal in all three matches this season, and Watne has picked up one assist in all three matches. … Costa and freshman Brooke Moody played every minute on the back line. … Redshirt freshman Stephanie Carl and true freshman Allie Simon made their season debuts Friday. … Craig’s goals give her seven for her career. … Hoon made four saves, two in the second half and two in the first overtime, to pick up her second win of the season and third of her career. … Boise State also switched keepers at the half, going from Megan Blanchard to Ruiz. Blanchard made four saves, Ruiz six.
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