Freshman Jessica Bednarcik scored the game-winning goal with 21 seconds remaining in regulation as the "Cardiac" UMW women's soccer team won its second game in as many days with a goal in the closing minute in an improbable 5-4 win over Averett University on Saturday at the Bridgewater College Invitational.
The Eagles trailed, 3-0, less than 13 minutes into the game, but were able to cut into the deficit with an Adrian Newcomb penalty kick at 35:11, and the score stood at 3-1 at intermission.
UMW started strong in the second half, cutting into the deficit even further with a goal from Erin reynolds on a Sydney Cook assist at 48:53. The fireworks started at 85:25, when Bednarcik scored on a Cook assist to tie the score. Then, with 3:33 remaining in regulation, Averett scored to take a 4-3 lead.
The Eagles, won on Friday with a game winner from Reynolds with less than 30 seconds left in the second overtime, began its heroics as Excy Herrera scored the tying goal at 86:44, and ended it when Bednarcik stole a pass and deposited the game winner with just 21 seconds left on the clock.
Averett led in shots, 15-11, and in corner kicks, 7-5. Freshman goalkeeper Kathy Taylor earned the win in relief, making one save in 75 minutes of action. Malin Borjesson had four saves for Averett.
The Eagles will return home for the home opener next Saturday at 12:30 p.m. against Catholic University as part of the UMW Soccer Classic.