New College of Florida Women's Soccer came within seconds of earning a Sun Conference road victory Wednesday before St. Thomas scored with 11 seconds remaining to force a 1-1 draw.
Faith Hardy gave NCF the lead in the 75th minute with her 12th goal of the season off an assist from Sarah Benjamin. Hardy continues to stand alone atop the program's single-season goals list.
Avaya Wright made eight saves, including seven during a scoreless opening half, as the Mighty Banyans moved to 7-1-2 overall and 2-1-1 in conference play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
St. Thomas applied immediate pressure, hitting the crossbar in the fourth minute before Wright made her first save less than three minutes later.
Wright continued to keep the Bobcats off the scoreboard throughout the opening half. She recorded seven saves as St. Thomas attempted 22 shots over the first 45 minutes.
Naomi Woerner produced NCF's first scoring opportunity in the 24th minute, forcing a save from St. Thomas goalkeeper Emma Butcher. Tereza Cerna later sent an attempt wide as the match remained scoreless at halftime.
The Mighty Banyans created more opportunities after the break. Benjamin, Abigail Craig and Gloria Quintanilla each placed shots on goal during the opening 17 minutes of the second half.
NCF finally broke through at the 74:39 mark. Benjamin set up Hardy, who finished the opportunity for her 12th goal of the season and gave the Mighty Banyans a 1-0 advantage.
Wright made another save in the 84th minute, and the NCF defense continued to protect the lead deep into the closing moments.
St. Thomas earned a corner kick with 22 seconds remaining and found the equalizer at the 89:49 mark when Dayanara Monnetti scored off an assist from Mariana Sanchez.
THE TURNING POINT
NCF stood just 11 seconds away from leaving Miami Gardens with three conference points.
St. Thomas earned a late corner kick and converted its final opportunity, with Monnetti scoring at the 89:49 mark to erase the Mighty Banyans' one-goal advantage.
The late equalizer gave each team one point in the conference standings.
BY THE NUMBERS
11
Seconds remaining when St. Thomas scored the equalizer.
12
Goals scored by Hardy this season, placing her alone atop NCF's single-season list.
8
Saves recorded by Wright while playing all 90 minutes.
33
Shots attempted by St. Thomas, with the NCF defense allowing only one goal.
5
Shots on goal recorded by five different Mighty Banyans.
STAT LEADERS
Goals: Faith Hardy - 1
Assists: Sarah Benjamin - 1
Shots: Naomi Woerner - 2; Gloria Quintanilla - 1; Chole Nickell - 1; Faith Hardy - 1; Tereza Cerna - 1; Abigail Craig - 1; Sarah Benjamin - 1
Shots on Goal: Gloria Quintanilla - 1; Faith Hardy - 1; Naomi Woerner - 1; Abigail Craig - 1; Sarah Benjamin - 1
Goalkeeper: Avaya Wright - 90 minutes, 1 goal allowed, 8 saves
UP NEXT: NCF will return home Saturday to face Southeastern at 11 a.m. at NCF Bayfront Field.
