SAN ANGELO - It took all of regulation and then some, but the ASU soccer team came out on top Friday night, topping Eastern New Mexico on a golden goal header from Analise Watson in the 92nd minute of the match.
It was the first win of the season for the Belles (9-3-1, 5-2-0) on a Friday night at home and was the second win of the season over the Greyhounds (3-8-1, 2-5-0), after defeating them 3-0 on the road earlier this season.
The game-winner came on a corner kick just two minutes into the first overtime period. Â Sophomore Megan Allen served the ball into the penalty area where Watson met the ball and put it in the top corner of the net, ending the game and sealing the victory for the Belles.
It was the first goal of the season for Watson, who attempted three total shots in the game. The assist was the second of the season for Allen.
"I was in the box with Demi [Tsambasis] and I was just thinking 'one of us has to get this,'" Watson said. "We were all tired and I knew it just needed to end right there. It was an amazing feeling. I just felt this huge rush and I couldn't even believe it."
The Belles went down early in the match, giving up a goal just 20 minutes into the match. It would be the only goal the Greyhounds got in the match. Overall, ASU defense only gave 11 shots, nine of which were on goal. ENMU did not get a shot off in the overtime period.
Goalkeeper Sammy Cude gave up the goal, but also made eight saves on the night, earning the win to make her 8-3-1 this year.
Offensively, ASU one again outshot its opponent, tallying 34 shots, 12 of which were on goal. Fourteen of those shots came in the first half, but the Belles were unable to put the ball away and went into halftime trailing 1-0.
It took another 30 minutes of the second half before the Belles would finally find the back of the net, scoring in the 76th minute. ASU took a free kick just outside the penalty area and after Demi Tsambasis headed the ball over the ENMU goalkeeper, Megan Allen finished the job and put the ball in the goal.
The goal was the first of the year for Allen, and the Round Rock native had one more shot on goal in the match, which was a season-high for her.
"It felt really good to get that goal," Allen said. "I just got this huge rush of adrenaline, and I was ready to get going more and get another one so we could get the win."
Tsambasis earned her second assist of the season from the goal and pushed her conference-leading point total to 22.
Also creating chances on the attack for the Belles in the match was defender Ashley Exford who had five total shots including four on goal. Kathleen Keoughan and Ally Warren finished close behind with four shots apiece, and Trenadey Scott and Analise Watson each had three total shots.
The Belles will finish their regular season home slate this weekend as they host West Texas A&M at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the ASU Soccer Field for Senior Day.
