Provo sneaks in 2OT win

SPRINGVILLE — After playing for 80 minutes without finding a goal, the Provo girls soccer team finally made a play, and not a moment too soon.

The Bulldogs got an equalizing score late in second-half stoppage time, and then scored the game-winner in the second overtime for a 2-1 win over the Red Devils.

Provo needed the win to stay in the hunt for the Region 7 title, and is now in a tie with Springville for second place.

Chandra Salmon, Provo's leading scorer, got the winning goal and also made the assist on the stoppage-time equalizer on the last play before the referee blew his whistle.

"I told them that to beat Springville we'd have to play all 80 minutes. Never give up," said Provo coach Cesar Cardoso. "The last 15 minutes came up and we pushed them and tried to get the tying score. It came in the last minute and we worked very hard for it. We knew if we never gave up, (good) things would happen to us."

With the head official checking his watch, Necole Derurange made a cutting run from the Provo midfield and drew a hard foul at the top of the box.

Salmon lined up the free kick and instead of going for the goal herself sent the ball low into the six-yard box where Vayla Mitchell deflected it into the net.

"It really was our last chance," said Salmon. "I wasn't specifically aiming for Vayla but I knew if I kept it low it might bounce around and have a better chance of getting in. We were down a goal and that was a crucial opportunity."

In the 95th minute of the second overtime, Provo's Salmon settled a long ball on a quick counter attack and cut inside for the game-winning shot from 18 yards away.

"I was just in the zone," said Salmon. "I got enough pace on it and just cracked it. It was hard enough to go in. It feels good. We knew that this was going to be one of our toughest games. All of us just came out and showed it on the field. We had the heart to win it."

Springville walked away from the game, mulling over missed opportunities during regulation time. The Red Devils had most of the scoring chances in the game but miss-hit open shots and hit the post several times.

Springville's goal came on a Heather Hatfield free kick from 25-yards out in the 63rd minute.

In other prep action Tuesday:

SOCCER

REGION 1