ALVA, Okla. – SWOSU Soccer trailed 1-0 at halftime and was 10 minutes away from suffering a defeat at the hands of Northwestern in Wednesday's conference opener, but Ruth Vasquez had other plans after delivering the game-tying score in the 80th minute. The Bulldogs went on to tie with the Rangers, 1-1.
SWOSU survives its trip to Alva and begins conference play 0-0-1. The goal was Vasquez's first of the season.
SWOSU managed just seven shots through the first 45 minutes with none put on goal. Then, out of halftime, the Dawgs ramped up the pressure with an additional 10 shots – seven of which were on target including the equalizer.
Meanwhile, Northwestern took seven shots in the first half, two on goal, and was held to just two in the second half following the shift in match control.
The rival's goal came near halftime. With under three minutes to play before the break, Northwestern struck first and entered halftime with the lead.
Vasquez's late goal came off her left foot. She took a pass, dribbled left past a defender, found an opening, and delivered a line drive kick past a diving goalkeeper and straight to the bottom part of the cross bar. The ball ricocheted downwards and into the goal.
She finished with a tie for the team high in shots taken at four. Micaella Swain matched those numbers, but with one fewer shot on goal.
Amelia Forsling collected three saves and spent all 90 minutes guarding the net.
The Dawgs now extend their unbeaten streak over the Rangers to 17 matches dating back to 2014. SWOSU is 13-0-4 in that span against Northwestern.
SWOSU returns home on Saturday and will welcome Oklahoma Baptist to Weatherford in more conference play. The match is set to start at 1:00 p.m.
