UVU soccer: Freshman Lexi Felis' OT goal sends UVU soccer to 1-0 win

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – True freshman Lexi Felis scored her first career goal in the 95th minute to give Utah Valley University a 1-0 win over CSU Bakersfield Tuesday afternoon at CSUB's Main Field.

The victory snapped a 10-match winless skid for the Wolverines and was their first overtime triumph in six tries this season.

"You could tell the girls were ready to go heading into overtime," Wolverine head coach Brent Anderson said. "After we had made some adjustments at halftime, we became more patient on the attack and were really able to start stretching CSUB's defense late. I think that built our confidence and set the tone for us heading into overtime."

With the match scoreless after 90 minutes, UVU (2-10-1) and CSUB (4-8-2) headed into overtime amidst 100-degree heat. Having already played five overtime matches on the year, with none producing a win, the Wolverines took to the offensive early, getting a shot on goal from sophomore midfielder Maddie Adams at 92:37.

Only 90 seconds later, UVU was on the attack again, this time with senior forward Regan Benson pushing the ball wide of the box. Her high cross toward the middle of the 18 found the head of Felis, whose header burrowed into the back of the net to seal the win.

Benson finished with one shot on goal to go along with the assist, her second on the year.

In all, UVU put nine of its 13 shots on goal, putting pressure on the CSUB (4-8-2) defense.

Adams led the way in shots with three, all of which were on goal.

The winning goal seemed due for Felis, who narrowly missed her first career goal on a similar play early in the first half. A Wolverine corner kick found Felis in the box, but a Roadrunner defender camped along the goal line kept out the headed effort.

UVU held the offensive pace throughout the second half, outshooting the Roadrunners 6-4. Four of those six shots were on goal, forcing action from Roadrunner CSUB goalkeeper Tori Ornela. The second-half surge on goal helped give the Wolverines the momentum heading into the extra period.

UVU goalkeeper Lauren Sack, who was named Great West Conference Defensive Player of the Week earlier in the day, stopped four shots and recorded her first clean sheet of the season.

With its six-match, midseason road trip in the books, the Wolverines return home for their GWC opener Friday against NJIT. UVU begins defense of last season's regular season title with a 7 p.m. kickoff at Clyde Field.

Box Score

Kellen Hiser is sports information assistant at Utah Valley University. For more information on Wolverine athletics, visit WolverineGreen.com.