In the grand opening game at CH4 Stadium, the Mount Vernon Nazarene University women’s soccer team (2-2-0, 0-0-0) scored twice within 2 minutes as time was winding down to defeat Siena Heights University (0-1-0, 0-0-0) 3-2 on Aug. 31.
The Lady Cougars had a strong turnout as they celebrated the grand opening of the new stadium prior to the start of the game.
The first half was dominated by Siena Heights as Sarah Ammon found the back of the net off a cross only 5 minutes into the game. Ammon continued to be a force for the Saints as she again found the back of the net only 4 minutes later in the 9th minute of play.
The Lady Cougars were unable to respond for the entirety of the first half as the Saints dominated possession, leading in shots with nine to the Cougars’ three. Down by two goals, the Lady Cougars needed an outstanding second half to get the job done, and that is just what they brought to the field in the game’s final 45 minutes.
In the 60th minute of play, the Lady Cougars finally had their chance as a penalty kick was awarded from a foul in the box by the Saints. Ashley Townsend stepped up to the mark and finished the job with a hard shot past the keeper to the right side of the net, cutting the Saints' lead to 2-1 with plenty of time left on the clock.
Brooklyn Bryant scored the equalizer for the Lady Cougars in the 72nd minute of play with a quick one-touch finish in the box. Townsend had the assist to Bryant, helping create the opportunity for her to finish.
The Lady Cougars were not done yet, as another penalty kick was given in the 74th minute. Townsend finished the job once again, while also obtaining the winning and final goal of the night with another hard hit past the keeper to the right side of the net.
