MURFREESBORO, N.C. – The Converse (2-12, 1-7 CC) soccer team dropped a heartbreaking 3-2 decision at Chowan (5-5-1, 4-3-1 CC) on Wednesday afternoon at Hawks Field. The Valkyries led most of the way, but it was the Hawks that scored two times in the final 20 minutes of regulation, followed by the winner in overtime to send Converse home in defeat.
The Valkyries spent the majority of the first half on the offensive side of the field, putting an immense amount of pressure on the Hawks defense. However, each shot was either wide of the mark or pushed away by the Chowan goalie.
Darian Bankston returned the favor in goal for Converse, standing tall and not allowing Chowan the momentum by scoring a goal to push ahead. Finally, at the 39 minute mark, what looked to be an uneventful trip down for the Purple and Gold turned to pay dirt as Hallie Lycans corralled an Anna Claire Albritton deflection off the far post and planted the rock into the back of the net from the right wing, giving Converse a 1-0 lead heading into the halftime break. Albritton was credited with the assist on the play.
After 15 minutes of a stalemate to begin the second half, the Valkyries doubled their lead following a beautiful goal by Melissa Carlyle in the 61st minute. Lycans became the facilitator and passed the ball ahead to Carlyle, who used her fancy footwork to beat the defender on the left wing, just lifting the ball over the outstretched hands of the Hawks' net minder for the 2-0 lead.
A controversial call in the 72nd minute put Chowan on the board. Following a corner kick by the Hawks, Sabrina Henderson connected on a header that appeared to go off one post and then the other, but was determined to have crossed the goal line after a brief conversation between the referee and side judge, cutting the Vals lead in half.
Emily Trueman knotted the contest at 2-all with a score off a header with less than eight minutes to play in regulation. That score would hold, sending the game into overtime. Chowan continued the momentum heading into the extra session and was able to notch the golden goal just seven minutes into the frame, giving the Hawks a come-from-behind 3-2 win.
Carlyle and Lycans led the Vals with three shots each, while Aidyn Cantor posted two of her own. Chowan held a 19-10 advantage on shots, as well as 4-2 on corners.
The Valkyries will step out of conference for their next contest, traveling to the Peach State on Monday, October 22 to take on Georgia College at 6 p.m.