Sept. 19, 2010
BOULDER, Colo. - The Denver Pioneers scored two goals in the final 80 seconds including the game-winner as time expired to defeat Purdue 2-1 on Sunday.
"We worked hard and played great for 88 minutes and 40 seconds," head coach Robert Klatte said. "However, it's a 90 minute game. Denver kept pushing at the end of the game and they were rewarded with the tying goal and eventually the game-winner. My hat's off to them."
Purdue (4-5-1) scored the first goal of the game at the 30 minute mark off a free kick. Liz Secue took the kick from 45 yards out and sent it into the box where Lauren Montenegro was waiting. The junior timed her jump perfectly and was able to head the ball over the keeper into the top of the net to give the Boilermakers a 1-0 lead. Purdue held the one goal lead through halftime and most of the second half despite being outshot for the game 17-7 including 7-2 on goal.
Denver (6-2) finally found the equalizer in the 89th minute. After a shot by Kaitlin Bast was blocked, Kristen Hamilton controlled the rebound and found the back of the net with just 80 seconds remaining. The goal was her third of the season, but she was not done.
The Boilermakers, who were forced to play with a short bench due to injuries, were called for a foul with just 15 seconds left. As the time ticked off and only eight seconds remained, Taylor Sims lobbed the kick into the box from 50 yards out. Purdue goalkeeper Carianne Betts jumped up to punch the ball away, but it bounced straight down inside the penalty box. After a hectic scrum, Hamilton got a weak shot off that rolled over the line as time expired for the game-winner.
"It was definitely a tough loss to swallow," Klatte said. "We gave up a few free kicks that put a lot of pressure on our defense. We had some chances ourselves to put the game away, but we just couldn't convert. Hopefully we will learn from this game and be better because of it. We have to move on as we start the Big Ten season this week."
The loss drops Purdue's series record to 0-1 against the Pioneers. It also drops the Boilermakers overall record to 1-2 against the Sun Belt Conference.
The Boilermakers return home on Friday when they open Big Ten play against Wisconsin. Kickoff from the Varsity Soccer Complex is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. Live results and a live radio broadcast can be found at purduesports.com.