Falcons, led by Otero hat-trick, outlast Rebels

USAFA, Colo. - The Falcons, or these days the Kardiac Kids, found late magic in a 4-3 double-overtime win over the UNLV Rebels. Air Force relied heavily on the right foot of freshman Mia Otero, who not only scored the game-winning goal, but posted her first-career hat trick in the process.

"Another crazy Friday night for the Falcons" said head coach Larry Friend. "We've got to get a little tighter on our set pieces, and working on the details on our throw-ins and those types of things, but all-in-all, what a great night from Mia Otero."

Otero was the star of the show this evening, but the Massachutean didn't get the Falcons going. It was the Utahn.

A first-half that began with both sides playing at a frenetic pace, a goal immediately seemed imminent. The Rebels proved the sentiment true, scoring in the fifth minute to take a quick 1-0 lead. Not even a minute later, a spurt of Air Force offense resulted in a corner kick. Taking the kick, Ashlie Van Cleave struck a perfect ball towards the far post, where Kayla Milford thundered home the equalizing header. The score was Milford's second of the season, and Van Cleave's first collegiate assist.

From then on, it was the Otero show.

In the 15th minute, Otero was unmarked along the far sideline and had plenty of open field with which to work. Sensing the chance, Otero struck a ball roughly 40 yards away from goal that found its way over the UNLV keeper to give the Falcons the 2-1 advantage. The score eventually ran to 2-2, as played slowed down into the second-half. In the 58th minute, Otero created some space just outside the 18-yard box, and skipped a bouncing shot into the net for her second score of the evening.

UNLV found an equalizer in the 76th minute, eventually sending the match to overtime. After a scoreless first period, Otero gained possession from roughly 40 yards away, making some moves to clear the real estate in front of her. With the confidence to do so, Otero again launched a pinpoint long ball over the keeper's head for the game-winning score.

Otero not only scored her first three Air Force goals on Friday, but became the first Falcon to post a hat-trick since McKenna Fox did so in 2011.

"There's no easy game in this conference," said Friend. "This was just a gritty effort. We're just trying to get better, no excuses. That's the Falcons. That's a fun way to finish a Friday night."

Air Force (5-4-1, 2-1) next hosts Nevada on Sunday, as the match will signify Senior Day for the women's soccer program.

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