Only 37 seconds separated Longwood’s women’s soccer (8-8- 3) from a possible bid to the Big South Tournament.
On Tuesday, Oct. 28, the Lancers were in control of their own fate when going into their Big South rivalry game against No. one seed, Liberty University (11-4-1). If they won or tied, they earned a spot, but if they lost without either UNC Asheville or Winthrop losing or tying, then we are eliminated.
The Lancers and Flames battled for 88 minutes, until Liberty’s junior forward Crystal Elmers scored the game-winning goal. Elmers took the ball the length of the field and went top shelf, left side to close the book on the Lancers. The goal came in the 89th minute of the game.
Longwood’s junior goalkeeper, Hailey Machen, had a career night recording seven saves on eight shots-on-goal.
“Machen was rock solid today. Big voice, led and dealt with to keep us in it,” said head coach pressure especially in first half ToddDyer.
The Lancers were left to wait for the Presbyterian vs. Winthrop game to end before they finally knew their fate. “It makes us the biggest [Presbyterian] fans at the moment,” said Dyer.
UNC Asheville won their game in an overtime thriller against Gardner-Webb 2-1. Shortly after Presbyterian lost to Winthrop 4-1.
With wins from both Winthrop and UNC Asheville, Longwood missed their last chance to make it into the Big South Tournament.
“Right now we’re all disappointed because we fell short this year and we only have ourselves to blame. We are a quality soccer playing team, but you need results at this level to advance and win championships,” said Dyer. “This whole year will humble us and prepare us for the future. It just doesn’t feel so good right now.”
The Lancers will be graduating five seniors from this seasons’ team. The Big South Tournament will be held in Charlotte, NC on Nov. 1, 2014.
