New College of Florida Women's Soccer scored three second-half goals to erase a two-goal deficit and earn a 3-3 draw against Thomas University Saturday afternoon at the TU Soccer Complex in Thomasville, Georgia.
The Mighty Banyans (4-0-1) trailed 2-0 at halftime before Naomi Woerner and Faith Hardy scored less than seven minutes apart to even the match.
Thomas regained the lead in the 62nd minute, but Hardy answered with her second goal of the afternoon at the 69:02 mark to keep NCF unbeaten through its first five matches.
HOW IT HAPPENED
NCF produced the first dangerous opportunities of the match. Chloe Nickell hit the post in the 16th minute before Aubrey Mau had an attempt stopped by Thomas goalkeeper Chantelle Thomson moments later.
The Night Hawks broke through in the 23rd minute when Pearl Mortimer scored off an assist from Miasandra Mauro. Mortimer struck again just 2:22 later, converting a pass from Isabelle Gabrielsson to give Thomas a 2-0 advantage.
The Mighty Banyans entered halftime facing their first multi-goal deficit of the season but quickly began their comeback after the break.
Hardy found Woerner in the 51st minute, and the senior converted the opportunity for her ninth goal of the season to cut the deficit to one.
Woerner returned the favor at the 57:17 mark, assisting Hardy on the equalizer to bring NCF level at 2-2.
Thomas responded in the 62nd minute when Lina Munoz scored off an assist from Mortimer to restore the Night Hawks' lead.
The advantage lasted just over seven minutes. Following an NCF corner kick, Hardy found the back of the net at the 69:02 mark for her second goal of the match and eighth of the season.
Avaya Wright preserved the draw with three saves over the final 18 minutes, including stops in the 73rd, 78th and 85th minutes.
THE TURNING POINT
Thomas regained a 3-2 lead in the 62nd minute after NCF had erased its two-goal halftime deficit.
The Mighty Banyans responded once again, earning a corner kick in the 69th minute before Hardy scored the equalizer moments later.
Wright and the NCF defense held Thomas scoreless the rest of the way to secure the draw and keep the Mighty Banyans unbeaten.
BY THE NUMBERS
8
Shots recorded by the Mighty Banyans.
6
Corner kicks earned by NCF compared with one for Thomas.
5
NCF shots placed on goal.
4
Second-half shots recorded by Hardy, Woerner and Nickell that resulted in three goals and one save.
1
First draw of the season for the Mighty Banyans.
STAT LEADERS
Goals: Faith Hardy - 2; Naomi Woerner - 1
Assists: Faith Hardy - 1; Naomi Woerner - 1
Shots: Faith Hardy - 3; Chloe Nickell - 3; Aubrey Mau - 1; Naomi Woerner - 1
Shots on Goal: Faith Hardy - 3; Aubrey Mau - 1; Naomi Woerner - 1
Goalkeeper: Avaya Wright - 90 minutes, 3 goals allowed, 3 saves
UP NEXT: NCF will return home to face Florida College Friday at 1 p.m. EST.
