Upset bid falls short in overtime

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - No. 10 Tennessee had to work overtime to win its First Tennessee Classic here Sunday, coming from behind to stave Middle Tennessee's upset bid in a 2-1 overtime win at Regal Soccer Stadium Sunday.

The Lady Vols (3-1-1) erased a 1-0 deficit in the 63rd minute and delivered the dagger eight minutes into the first overtime period to deal Middle Tennessee's its first loss in six matches.

"It was a tough, hard-fought, game," Middle Tennessee coach Aston Rhoden said. "We didn't have many chances against what was a very good Tennessee defense but we made good on one early and the defense almost made it hold. Tennessee put a lot of pressure on us but we held for the most part."

Kala Morgan continued her sizzling run with her third goal of the Classic and fifth of the season when she took a cross from Rebecca Rodriguez and powered the ball past keeper Jaimel Johnson for a 1-0 Blue Raider lead in the fifth minute. Morgan scored all three of Middle Tennessee's goals in the First Tennessee Classic. Two minutes later, Holly Grogan narrowly missed a goal and it seemed the offense was once again in attack mode.

It didn't last. Middle Tennessee wouldn't follow Grogan's shot with another until she just missed what would have been the game winner in the 97th minute. The Blue Raiders were constantly under duress as Tennessee had 31 shot attempts to Middle Tennessee's three.

Freshman keeper Erynn Murray, making her first career start, was solid most of the match despite the constant pressure; however, Tennessee was able to break loose for two 1 v 1 situations that resulted in scores.

Middle Tennessee led 1-0 at the half and Murray turned away Jenny Jeffers' potential tying shot in the 52nd minute with a nice save. Mick Imgram scored her first goal of the season in the 63rd minute to even the score.

The well-played match was a defensive battle throughout and Middle Tennessee held the Lady Vols off the scoreboard the remainder of the second half. The Blue Raiders just missed the upset when Johnson saved Grogan's great look in the 97th minute.

Emily Redberg made sure a second overtime wouldn't occur when she scored in the 98th minute to give Tennessee the overtime win.

Middle Tennessee returns to action when it plays host to Lipscomb Friday at 7 p.m.