Wittenberg Surprises Allegheny with Last-Minute Goal
MEADVILLE, Pa. – Wittenberg defender Kelly Brothers knocked home a header off a corner kick in the 90th minute, and the Tigers escaped Robertson Athletic Complex with a 1-0 victory over Allegheny on Saturday in the 2012 conference opener for both schools.
With just over one minute left in regulation, the Tigers manufactured their eighth corner of the game and fifth of the half. Chelsey Marcrum, who was credited with the assist, served the ball into the box where Brothers redirected the cross into the far post from the near side.
After a lackluster first half, the Gators had the better of the chances in the second frame. Allegheny, which was kept out of the offensive zone for most of the opening period, had several sustained build-ups into the offensive third over the final 45. Unfortunately, the Gators were denied a goal for the third time in four games.
Allegheny's best chance developed with just over three minutes left in regulation as rookie Sarah Shindler split the defense with a great through ball, but Michelle Holcomb, who was on the receiving end of the pass, rocketed a shot into the bread basket of Wittenberg net minder, Cassie Lythjohan.
In the 85th minute, Wittenberg produced its best attempt of the game to that point, although Katie Murphey mistimed a header along the far post following a beautiful cross.
Wittenberg finished the afternoon with an 11-10 advantage in shots and an 8-3 difference on corners. Lythjohan made five saves, all in the second half, en route to her fourth shutout of the season. Allegheny junior Kylie Mason was credited with three saves in the loss.
Allegheny, which has historically positioned itself as one of the best teams in the region, is currently in the midst of one of the program's deepest slumps. The Gators, who have enjoyed three consecutive campaigns at the top of the NCAC standings under eighth-year Head Coach Mike Webber, have lost four straight for the first time since 1998.
