Goeglein's golden goal lifts Blue Raiders over FAU in double overtime

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Paige Goeglein's goal at the 106th minute helped Middle Tennessee seal 3-2 double overtime victory over Florida Atlantic on Sunday.

Goeglein knocked in her ninth goal this season with a cross from freshman Kate Loye as the Blue Raiders (9-3, 4-0 Sun Belt) remained unbeaten in Sun Belt action overcoming a pair of late regulation goals from FAU (3-8, 1-3 SBC).

"It was very good to get the second conference win on the road," said head coach Aston Rhoden. "We had to endure some adversity at the end of the match and I'm proud of our team for responding in a positive manner. We put these two behind us and get ready for another set of road matches in Louisiana."

Middle Tennessee jumped ahead early with a pair of goals at the sixth and eighth minutes in the first half.

Loye knocked in her sixth goal with a shot off the left post to give MT a 1-0 edge at 6:29. Just two minutes later, Tori Hawkins sent a cross to Whitney Jorgenson, who capitalized with her sixth goal.

The Raiders dominated the shot column in the first half, 13-to-3, including five shots on goal. 

Late in the second half, Florida Atlantic used the foot of Claire Emslie to score two goals in the final 18 minutes of regulation.

Emslie used a breakaway from teammate Rose Cabrale to make it a 2-1 contest at the 72nd minute.
The final few minutes proved to be eventful as MT was tagged with three fouls, the last of which a free penalty kick. Emslie capitalized on the penalty kick to tie the match at the 89th minute to send it to overtime.

Middle Tennessee continued to pelt shots at Florida Atlantic and in the second overtime period, Loye found Goeglein for the golden goal as MT stretched its' win streak to four matches. The Raiders have won seven of their eight last matches dating back to Sept. 2.

Goalkeeper Kelsey Brouwer improved to 6-2, collecting three saves in 106 minutes of action. Ashley Lantes surrendered three goals and managed seven saves for Florida Atlantic.

Overall, the Raiders outshot the Owls 27-to-9, while managing 8 corners to just four for FAU.

Next weekend, MT closes out a four-match road trip with a visit to ULM and Louisiana.

Follow the Blue Raiders on Twitter @MTAthletics for continued updates.