Republic’s soccer shutout streak ended early in the first half at Carthage — and its winning streak ended early in the overtime period. Carthage fought off an aggressive onslaught by Republic in the second half to force OT, then scored a goal less than a minute into the extra period to escape with a 2-1 win.
Senior Daniela Marquez scored both goals for Carthage. The first one put Carthage ahead 1-0 seven minutes into the game. The second won it in sudden death just 44 seconds after the overtime period had begun.
In-between those goals, Republic had pressed the attack with few let-ups. Even in the first half, with the wind in their faces, the Lady Tigers managed to push the ball forward. In the second half, with the wind behind them, the Lady Tigers created lots of scoring opportunities. Republic took 15 shots total.
But the only scoring opportunity that paid off was the equalizer with about 10 minutes remaining in the second half, when Cadence Lugar dribbled up the right wing and unleashed a shot from about 15 yards out to beat the Carthage keeper and tie the score.
Republic missed several other scoring chances to take the lead, and controlled the ball the remainder of regulation.
After winning the coin flip to start the overtime, Republic seemed to have the upper hand with the wind in its favor again. But Carthage played the ball upfield on its opening kick. A ball into the left corner drew Republic keeper Awbree Berning off her line, and Marquez slid the ball into the open net to win it.
The loss ends a three-game winning streak for Republic.
