With a team-leading five assists this season, LSU freshman midfielder Emma Fletcher is used to setting up scoring opportunities for her teammates.
But Fletcher flipped the script on Friday night and scored her first LSU career goal in the Tigers’ (5-3-2, 1-0-1 Southeastern Conference) double-overtime, 1-1 draw against Tennessee (6-2-2, 1-0-1 SEC) at the LSU Soccer Stadium.
“I’ve taken a lot of [free kicks], and in the past I’ve always rushed them a little bit,” Fletcher said. “On this one I took an extra second to just focus. I’ve been practicing them a lot so I just had to strike it right, and it managed to work out for me.’”
A Tennessee defender fouled senior defender Addie Eggleston in the 31st minute as she made a run on the goal, setting up the free kick opportunity. Fletcher stepped up, firing a shot that found the net despite being deflected by junior goalkeeper Julie Eckel.
Tennessee equalized in the 64th minute on a strike from senior midfielder Caroline Brown. LSU senior goalkeeper Megan Kinneman punched the ball upward, but it continued spiraling over her head and squeezed in under the crossbar for a goal.
The score held for the remainder of regulation as both squads failed to convert on ample scoring opportunities. The onslaught of shots continued into overtime, but neither team managed to break through.
“[Tennessee] was rotating a lot more players than we were,” said LSU coach Brian Lee. “I thought momentum shifted after they scored. I really thought we were going to have them put away before that.”
LSU will return to action at 1 p.m. on Sunday for a match against Mississippi State.