University of Oklahoma Athletics
University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Soccer Drops Big 12 Opener to OSU
September 15, 2006 | Soccer
NORMAN, Okla. -- A 1-0 halftime lead wasn't enough for the Oklahoma Sooners in the Big 12 opener, as they fell 2-1 to Oklahoma State on Friday in front of 1,132 fans at John Crain Field.
The Annual Bedlam Series, presented by the Bank of Oklahoma and Your Oklahoma Ford Dealers, lived up to its normal billing as the Sooners and Cowgirls battled to the tenth consecutive game in the series decided by one goal or less.
OSU used two second half goals to avenge last year's loss in Stillwater and dropped the Sooners to 2-5 on the season and 0-1 in Big 12 play. The Cowgirls improved to 5-1-1 (1-0 Big 12) overall and 8-2-1 in the all-time series.
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For the second consecutive game, OU jumped on the board first with junior Allyson Kucera's first goal of the season in the 43rd minute. Kucera took the ball down the field unassisted and netted the tally after beating OSU goalkeeper Bettina Grossman to the left side of the goal.
With a 1-0 lead and a 8-6 advantage in the shot count after the first 45 minutes, Oklahoma came right out of the gate and almost took a 2-0 lead just six minutes into the second half. Unfortunately for senior Savannah Scott and the Sooners, Grossman made a nice save to her left side to keep the game within reach.
In the 54th minute, OSU made its move and knotted the game at one goal apiece with the first of two goals off the foot of Ashlyn Brantley.
Two and a half minutes later, Brantley and the Cowgirls struck again. Siera Strawser tried to connect on a point-blank shot in the box but was blocked by OU junior goalkeeper Jennifer Nichols. However, Nichols could not hold onto the ball as it deflected to Brantley's feet for the game-winning goal at the 55:32 mark.
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See how the Sooners stack up against OSU in the Bedlam Series presented by the Bank of Oklahoma and Your Oklahoma Ford Dealers! |
“Its a tough loss,” said OU head coach Randy Evans. “We gave up two uncharacteristic goals tonight. Our defense has been solid all year and we seemed to lose our composure in the second half. We have to regroup and how we respond to this game will be a test of this team's character.”
The Sooners had one last chance with under a minute to go as freshman Daphne Fitzpatrick got behind the OSU defense and fired a shot over the cross bar.
The Cowgirls finished the contest with a 15-11 edge in shots (9-3 in the second half) and a decisive 10-1 advantage in corner kicks.
Nichols (2-5) made six saves in the contest opposite Grossman's two. OSU's starting goalkeeper did not finish the game after injuring her right arm. Grossman gave way to Jeanne Rankin, who finished the game and improved to 5-1-1 this season.
OU will look to rebound as it concludes its current six-game home stand on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. versus another in-state rival, Oral Roberts (1-3-1).
