October 2, 2009

Hoffman's two goals lift Tech to 2-1 OVC victory over Eastern Kentucky

Junior Jen Hoffman netted two goals to lead the Tennessee Tech soccer team to a 2-1 overtime win over Ohio Valley Conference opponent Eastern Kentucky on Friday.

RICHMOND, Ky. – Junior Jen Hoffman scored two goals late in the game against Eastern Kentucky to erase a 1-0 deficit as the Tennessee Tech soccer team stole a 2-1 overtime win over the Colonels in Ohio Valley Conference play in Richmond, Ky., Friday.

“The girls were resilient today, and they never stopped fighting,” head coach Becky Fletcher said. “To be down by a goal late in the game like that, and to battle back and force overtime, and then win, was great. Not to mention doing that in a conference game on the road.”

EKU’s Deja Tennon broke a scoreless tie in the 68th minute with an unassisted goal from 15-yards out. But Hoffman would answer moments later as she tied the game with a goal in the 75th minute. That was her second goal of the season, as freshman Kerri Reid picked up her team-leading third assist of the year.

The Golden Eagles headed to overtime for the third time this season, and Hoffman would put EKU away with her second goal of the game and third of the year. She found the back of the net from 10-yards out with an assist from freshman Julie Thompson seven minutes into overtime.

“Jen had one goal all season before today, and she had two in this game,” Fletcher said. “And they were two good goals, assisted by two different freshmen. Today was a group effort. We got a lot of help with some quality minutes from our bench.”

The Golden Eagles improve to 3-8-1 overall, and 2-1-0 in OVC play. Tech remains unbeaten in overtime in 2009, at 2-0-1.

Tech goalkeeper Kaitlyn Thacker finished the game with two saves. The Golden Eagles had six total shots, including three on goal. Reid, Krista Kaump, Taren Brown, Kris Cambron all finished with one shot. EKU outshot Tech 16-6.

“EKU is a quality opponent, and they showed it,” Fletcher said. “They battled the entire time and it wasn’t easy. We have a lot of respect for their program.”

Tech will return home to wrap up the weekend against Morehead State on Sunday at 2 p.m.

“Morehead is going to be tough,” Fletcher said. “It’s a Sunday game which is always hard after playing on Friday. We’re going to have to rely on our bench to pick us up.”

Admission to all Tech home soccer matches is free.