Benjoud's Late Goal Brings Tritons to 1-1 Draw

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Triton women's soccer team equalized late on a long-distance strike from Hajar Benjoud but could not pull ahead as they tied Nova Southeastern 1-1 on Saturday night at Johnson Field.

The game began in a defensive battle, as both team's back lines allowed very few chances. Kaia Senecal registered the first shot on goal of the game from inside the box just ten minutes in. The Tritons saw their best opportunity of the half in the 32nd minute off a throw-in as Kendall Drummond sent a long cross from the corner into the box and to the left foot of Hajar Benjoud. Benjoud nearly scored, but her shot was just tipped wide by the goalkeeper Stefane Rosa. Nova Southeastern did not see many offensive opportunities as the teams entered halftime, tied 0-0. 

The Sharks came out of the half with much more offensive pressure. In the 50th minute, Luana Grabias fired a shot from the top of the box at the left corner, where Triton goalkeeper Cadence Talbert made a diving save to fend it off. Nova Southeastern was first to get on the board on a goal by Dani Correa, giving the Sharks a 1-0 lead in the 79th minute. After a Triton turnover in the offensive zone in the 83rd minute, Benjoud, in hot pursuit of the ball, stole it away, fired a high shot that hit the crossbar, and bounced off the ground and into the top right corner to knot the game at one. Both teams fought for the go-ahead goal, but neither was able to convert, ending the match in a draw. 

HOW IT ENDED
FINAL:  Eckerd 1, Nova Southeastern 1
RECORDS: Eckerd 4-5-3 (1-4-3 SSC), Nova Southeastern 8-1-4 (5-1-3 SSC)
SCORING SUMMARY: EC - 83' Benjoud (unassisted); NSU – 79' Correa (Grabias)

NOTES AND NUMBERS

• Talbert posted a season-high six saves.
• EC led in corner kicks 3-2.
• The Tritons outshot the Sharks in the first half 5-2, with two shots on goal.
• Five Tritons registered at least one shot: Aisling Spillane (1), Senecal (1), Benjoud (2), Clara Henriksson (1), Annie Stook (1), and Drummond (1). 
• Seven Tritons played the full 90 minutes: Talbert, Spillane, Lara Sanchez-Rodriguez, Adoria Sanders, Stook, Abby Ripple, and Andi Wells.

QUOTABLE
"I thought we were outstanding tonight against a very good team," stated interim head coach Luke Sheekey '10. "It was frustrating to go a goal behind after having better chances and executing our game plan so well, but what an incredible strike from an incredible player [Hajar Benjoud], who stepped up when we needed her the most."

UP NEXT
Eckerd will honor its four seniors for their senior night and Teal Out game Tuesday night at 7:00 PM against Tampa on Johnson Field.