Oct. 5, 2003

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Marian Wagner one-timed a cross from Kim Matthews into the back of the net for the only goal of match as Samford won its second-straight overtime match 1-0 over Tennessee-Martin in Ohio Valley Conference soccer action Sunday afternoon.

In the 99th minute, Lindsay Shanks served long cross to Matthews near the end line, Matthews played the ball back to the six-yard box where Wagner one-touched the ball into the upper netting. It was Wagner's third goal of the season and second in her last two matches.

Samford improved 6-2-3 on the season and 2-0 in the OVC while UT-Martin dropped to 5-3-1 and 0-1-1 in the OVC.

"Conference games are what really count," said Samford head coach Todd Yelton. "We beat two solid teams this weekend that played very hard. I am proud of the effort we showed in the second half and in overtime, but I think we have to do a better job of playing the full 90 minutes."

The Skyhawks owned the run of play through the early part of the first half. Danelle Myrick had the match's first scoring chance with a header in the fifth minute that was saved by Samford keeper Crystal Royall. Royall earned her seventh shutout of the season tying the school record she set last year for most shutouts in a season.

UT-Martin's best scoring chance came in the 23rd minute on a free kick. Kindal Keim had a look from 25 yards straight on that Royall made a fine save on. Royall finished the match with three saves while facing six shots.

In the second half, Samford began to take control of the match. The Bulldogs out-shot the Skyhawks 10-2 in the second half and the overtime. In the 75th minute the Bulldogs had a free kick from 28 yards out. The ball was played to Shanks inside the box who hit the crossbar with a left footed shot. In the 88th minute Wagner forced a great save by Megan Dempsey on a header. Dempsey was forced to make six saves while facing 17 shots.

Samford held a 17-6 advantage in shots, an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks, while UTM out fouled the Bulldogs 20-15. There were no cautions in the match.

The Bulldogs will take the road next weekend as they continue conference play against the top two teams in the preseason rankings. Samford will face Southeast Missouri State on Oct. 10, and Eastern Illinois on the 12th. Kickoff at SEMO will be 7 p.m.