Columbia
Penn
Neshat Knocks In Game-Winning Header For Overtime Win At Penn
10/8/2016 7:23:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Watch Highlights ► 
Box Score ►PHILADELPHIA – A header into the back of the net in the 99th minute by Natalie Neshat off the corner kick from Caroline Militello did more than defeat Penn 1-0 in overtime on Saturday, Oct. 8. The game-wining score gave the Lions its best Ivy League start in program history moving to 3-0 for the first time. It also moves Columbia solely into first-place in the conference standings as the only team with three victories and marks the fourth-consecutive shutout win to improve to 6-4-2 overall.
A first-half shutout marked the seventh of the season by the Columbia defense. The Lions dominated possession in the opening period taking a 5-2 overall shot advantage and a 4-1 shot on goal advantage. The Lions offense had a number of close goal opportunities, including shots by Amaris Hemmings and and Natalie Neshat in a near rebounding effort. Behind four saves by the Quakers defense both teams remained scoreless at the break.
The defensive prowess continued for both teams in the second half and despite a revved up Quakers offense that fired off five shots and garnered six corner kick opportunities, the Lions defense remained goal-resistant.
In the Lions fourth overtime match this season, they executed a clutch corner kick in opportunity to perfection in the 99th minute. Caroline Militello placed a perfect ball into the box, while Natalie Neshat connected with a header the fired into the back of the net for a 1-0 victory over Penn. The score is Neshat's fourth on the season as Militello tallied her first assist. Columbia defeated the Quakers for the first time in six meetings, dating back to 2010.
Goalkeeper Allison Spencer and the Columbia defense continues to impress as they shutout their fourth-straight opponent, capping the night with 369 minutes of shutout play.
Up next, Columbia will begin a three-game homestand on Tuesday, Oct. 11 as they host their final non-conference match against Lafayette at 7 p.m.
