MADISON, WISC. - A 15-day break after back-to-back losses is generally not ideal, however, the Madison College women's soccer team responded in their first match back on the Irwin A. & Robert D. Goodman Pitch-East with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over Harper College in their North Central Community College Conference and Region 4 opener. The WolfPack let a 1-0 lead in the first half slip away before sophomore Lexi Kulow tallied the golden goal for the win. It's the fourth consecutive victory, and ninth in the past ten meetings, for the Pack in the head-to-head series, which stands at 10-4.

Having not scored a goal since August 24 and being shut out in their previous 180 minutes of play, freshman Madison Johnson ended the drought with a 26' strike off an assist from goalkeeper Morgan Thompson, who had just made a save on a Hawks free kick. Her booming punt bounced past a pair of Harper College (1-2, 1-1) defenders as the speedy Johnson raced by. It set up a quick 1-on-1 with the goalkeeper, and Johnson won with a low rolling kick to the net. It's her team-leading fourth of the season.



The one-goal advantage lasted well into the second half before Harper College registered the equalizer against Thompson in the 75'. Thompson preserved the tie with a save in the 81', while sophomore Taylor Peterson and Johnson were both denied on shots in the 84' and 85', respectively. The Hawks fired off two more shots in the final three minutes, but missed high and wide.

In overtime, Thompson snared another save in the 95' to deny a set play. Less than 90 seconds later, the WolfPack were in control and freshman defender Savi Pursley squared up a shot from outside the penalty area and it was redirected with a hand touch by the Hawks. The call set up Kulow with a penalty kick, which the midfielder from DeForest, Wisconsin, snuck past the 'keeper and the left post for the game-winner.



Despite the low score total, the two teams combined for 34 total shots and 23 shots on goal. Madison College was tops in both with 19 total shots and 14 on goal. Kulow, who boasts two goals on the season and four for her career, was tops with five shots overall and four shots on goal. Johnson came off the bench with four shots and three on goal.

Thompson, a native of New Glarus, Wisconsin, was credited with eight saves.

Up Next:

Madison College (3-2-1) closes out a four-match homestand at Irwin A. & Robert D. Goodman Pitch-East on Saturday, September 17 with a contest against NCAA Division III Finlandia University (MI/3-4-1). It will be the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Kickoff is at approximately 3:00 p.m. after the men's soccer team hosts a 1:00 p.m. contest. Both matches can be seen live at MadisonCollege.tv.

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