INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Campbellsville's Mhairi Fyfe continues to make history, but on Wednesday night she did so for the team's sake. Fyfe scored a golden goal in the 95th minute to give the Lady Tigers' a 2-1 overtime win over Marian University.
The win gave Fyfe her third straight game with two goals and 44 for her career – nine away from breaking the all-time record. But the bigger picture is Campbellsville University women's soccer (CUWS) starts the season 4-0 for the first time in history.
"We didn't start well by giving up the early goal but we eventually got all 11 players on the same page," said Fyfe. "Coach Jones' speech going into overtime really pumped the team up. Winning this game, with this team, the way we won, was the best feeling ever."
Fyfe put the Lady Tigers on her back after CU got behind 1-0 early in the first half. The junior form Livingston, Scotland juked three defenders and shot a thunderbolt past Marian's goalkeeper, Melissa Sturgill, to knot the game at one in the 62nd minute.
The Lady Tigers and Knights had multiple opportunities late in regulation but neither was able to capitalize.
Goalkeeper Amanda Howard allowed a goal in the fifth minute by Amanda Stoll, but locked down the final 87 minutes. Howard kept the game knotted at one with three huge saves late in regulation – the last was a diving save with 10 minutes remaining in regulation. She finished with seven saves and now has 28 for the season.
Campbellsville's back line of defense laid it all on the line in the second half. Starting two freshmen, a sophomore, and a senior, the Lady Tigers were able to stand firm in the final 42 seconds of regulation after Marian threatened with two late corner kicks.
"We stayed very strong late in the game," said Jones. "We gave up the early goal but continued to provide pressure which gave our offense the opportunities to create scoring chances.
"I am very pleased we are 4-0 and only given up one goal with such a young defense. We are a bit inconsistent at times but that is because of the inexperience. When our defense makes a mistake we have a great goalkeeper in Amanda Howard to pick us up. Once it all comes together it's only going to get better."
Fyfe's golden goal came just five minutes in the overtime period after the ball came loose in the box. The last golden goal for the Lady Tigers came in the NCCAA National Tournament last season when Fyfe pushed CUWS into the semifinals.
"Aris (Kuntz) had a beautiful throw in right to Mhairi (Fyfe)," said Jones. "She dribbled through three defenders and shot a beautiful goal into the upper left corner."
Campbellsville was very efficient overall, recording 13 shots with seven on goal. Sturgill finished with five saves for MU.
The Knights one-upped the Lady Tigers in the efficiency category, having 8-of-13 shots on mark but defensive breakdowns helped CUWS create space in the second half that led to both scores.
Jones mentioned the Lady Tigers have a tough matchup coming up with Calumet College of St. Joseph on Saturday, Sept. 5 before entering conference play and CUWS has to stay hungry.
"We have to continue to get better on offense and defense and can't get content," said Jones.
The women's-men's doubleheader starts at 6 p.m. Both games will be available on live video - HERE.
