For the second time this season, the Emory University women’s soccer team capitalized on a ‘golden goal’ to defeat a top-ranked team, as Melanie Levy scored the game winner in overtime against fourth-ranked Lynchburg to lift the Eagles to a 2-1 win.

Levy scored the goal in the 97^th minute, collecting a loose ball from a Sara Belsole corner kick, and placing it into the back of the net for the ‘golden goal.’  It was Levy’s second goal of the season, and her second game-winning goal in as many days.

The ‘golden goal’ was the first of Levy’s career, and the second by an Eagle this season.  Earlier in the year, the Eagles’ utilized a ‘golden goal’ from Lauren Smith to defeat Lee University, the top-ranked team in the NAIA, in two overtime periods.

After falling behind on a goal from Lynchburg’s Brittany Klippstein in the 12^th minute, the Eagles would even the match in the waning minutes of the first half.  For the second-straight game, the Eagles converted on a Lee Bachouros corner kick, as the sophomore placed the ball in front of the net to senior Lauren Smith, who converted for her second goal of the season.  The corner kick, which came in the 44^th minute, gave Bachouros her team-leading second assist of the season.

The Eagles kept the pressure on Lynchburg throughout the second half, outshooting Lynchburg 11-3 during the frame.  However, Emory was unable to capitalize, sending the game into overtime.  Emory was outshot 2-1 during the overtime period, but Levy made the one Emory attempt count.

For the third time this season, Kaele Leonard earned a victory in goal, playing the final 51 minutes and 30 seconds of the match and making a pair of saves, one in the second half and one in overtime.  Leonard has not allowed a goal in her 142 minutes in goal this season, and raised her record to 3-0-0 on the campaign.

The Eagles were dominant throughout most of the match, taking 10 corner kick throughout the match, while holding Lynchburg without one the entire game.  Emory outshot the Hornets 20-10, including a nine-to-five advantage in shots on goal.

Lynchburg, ranked fourth in the latest NSCAA poll, is the highest-ranked NCAA team that Emory has defeated since the Eagles bested Washington University (Mo.) on October 7^th, 2007.  The Hornets are also the highest ranked team that Emory has defeated on the road in the history of the program. 

The Eagles will continue their road swing next weekend, heading to Fredericksburg, VA for the Mary Washington Tournament.  Emory will face Bridgewater College at 3:30 PM on Saturday, September 11^th, followed by a 1:00 PM matchup against Rowan College on Sunday, September 12^th.