SEATTLE – Nora Patterson scored two crucial goals for the Seattle Pacific University women's soccer team, including a game-winner in the Falcons 3-2 victory over Simon Fraser on Thursday evening.
"It was a really good, fun match to be a part of," head coach
Arby Busey said. "Two very talented teams going back and forth. Simon Fraser is really good, and it took everything that we had tonight."
Patterson's second and third career goals for the Falcons were timely against the Red Leafs. SPU conceded a goal to SFU in the 45th minute of the match. With time ticking away in the first half,
Andie Buckley passed the ball to Patterson, who slotted a shot in the lower left corner of the net to tie the match 2-2. The goal came with six seconds left in the half.
"That goal at the end of the first half, just it keeps your mind in a good place," Busey said. "I think we felt good about the performance overall in the first half, and you concede one in the last minute, and that does dampen the spirits a little bit, but to salvage it almost works more to amplify your spirits. Had we just ended that half 1-1, I don't know if we were in the same place that we were 2-2. The way that we arrived at 2-2 was a massive goal from Nora."
Patterson wasn't finished thrilling Interbay Soccer Stadium on Thursday. In the 79th minute,
Taylor Krueger played a perfect ball to Patterson on the right side of the field. Patterson looked up and launched from 24 yards out. The ball sailed up and over the Red Leaf keeper, and became the game-winner for the Falcons.
"Nora had a great week of training," Busey added. "It's awesome to see that come to fruition tonight. And her second one was class. She saw the goalkeeper off of her line and took a shot at it. It was something that we had talked about. If it's there and you like it, go for it. She capitalized on it. It was awesome."
Maya Parman got the scoring started for the Falcons in the 12th minute.
Ashlyn Valdovinos sent a ball forward from midfield that was flicked on by
Moira MacKay. Mackay's pass found Parman, who had gotten behind the defense and finished from 12 yards out into the upper left side of the net.
The Falcons and Red Leafs battled throughout Thursday's contest. The visitors gained a slight 15-14 edge in shots and an 8-7 advantage in shots on goal.
Mercedes Cullen got the start in goal and made five saves.
The Falcons are back at home on Saturday for a match against Montana State University Billings that kicks off at noon.
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