Soccer Ends Season with Double Overtime Loss at Miami

Saturday, November 12

Miami, Fla.

12:00 p.m

Alabama

10-9-3

Miami

10-7-1

OT 3

OT 4

Alabama

Miami

Soccer Ends Season with Double Overtime Loss at Miami

11/12/2011 12:00:00 AM | Soccer

Box Score

Nov. 12, 2011

Box Score

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - The Alabama soccer team had its season come to an end as it fell to Miami, 3-2, in double overtime, Saturday afternoon at Cobb Stadium. With the conclusion of the season, the Crimson Tide finished 10-9-3.

"I want to congratulate Miami on a great season," Alabama head coach Todd Bramble said. "The administration did a great job putting on the tournament and I thank them for that. This was a hard way to end the season but I am proud of the performance."

Two minutes into double overtime, the Hurricanes (10-7-1) scored the game-winner. Ashley Flinn took a through-ball from Kate Howarth and found net far post to send Miami to the second round.

The season was one of firsts for the Crimson Tide. Alabama made its first tournament appearance since 1998 and secured its first winning season since 2003. UA downed three ranked opponents and four teams that made the NCAA tournament.

"I am proud of the progress this team made throughout the season," Bramble said. "This group moved our program forward."

In the 71st minute Alabama once again seized the lead. Tide freshman Laura Lee Smith followed up a junior Kaitlyn Smith shot and buried the opportunity from point-blank to give UA a brief 2-1 lead. The goal was her fourth on the season.

Miami then answered once again on a header off a set-piece in the 77th minute. Howarth flicked in a Tara Schwitter free kick to even the score.

In the 20th minute the Tide took the early lead. Junior defender Ashley Willis weaved her way through the Hurricane defense and found a streaking Kendall Khanna in front of the goal who headed home the chance for her fifth goal on the season.

Miami evened the score with 16 minutes left in the half when Shannon Caspar headed the equalizer far post on a cross from the far sideline from Flinn.

Alabama outshot Miami, 17-16, including a 10-6 advantage in the second half. Howarth led all players with six shots. Freshmen Pia Rijsdijk, Theresa Diederich, Smith and sophomore Molly Atherton paced the Tide with three shots apiece.

Tide senior goalkeeper Justine Bernier made six saves to finish her career with a school record 453 saves. She also finishes her career ranked second all-time at Alabama with 29 wins.