Falcons open conference play with thrilling overtime win

USAFA, Colo.- The Falcons, opening Mountain West Conference play against the San Jose State Spartans, were saved by the right foot of Jordi Ives, who knocked home the game-winning goal with 13 seconds left in double-overtime.

"All I can say is wow," said head coach Larry Friend. "Both teams just took whatever game plan they had, and they just started slugging. The effort was phenomenal."

A scoreless first-half saw plenty of chances go unconverted on both sides, though the same could not be said for what turned out to be a chaotic final act.

The Spartans opened the scoring in the 69^th minute, converting on a fast-break. However, Air Force needed only five minutes to find an equalizer. Faith Lee, on her own accord, went on a run through the center of the SJSU defense before composing herself just outside the 18-yard box. Lee struck a line drive over the head of the Spartan keeper to tie the score.

The goal was her second of the season, and the third of her Air Force career.

In the 81^st minute, a Spartan cross along Air Force's right flank found a well-covered attacker, who sent an initial shot off of the post. Falcon keeper Cammi Bych was unable to corral the unusual bounce off, leaving Kayla Fortenberry unmarked for the rebound and subsequent score.

With time waning, the Falcons needed a miracle. Luckily, Jennifer McFadden was willing to answer such a call. With just over two minutes left in regulation, McFadden hurled a long ball into the box from quite literally midfield. The ball bounced unattended into the penalty box, and then over the Spartan keeper's head to tie the score at 2-2.

"Jen just took a chance," said Friend. "And soccer is game about taking chances."

McFadden's Herculean score sent the two sides into overtime. The first 10 minutes passed without a goal and into a second overtime, where Ives waited to pounce.

After a last-ditch Spartan attack, Lee sent a pass to Ives up the middle of the SJSU defense, and with less than 20 seconds remaining on the game clock, Ives went on a run of her own. With open real estate about 40-yards away from goal, Ives struck a knuckling shot that flew over the tips of the Spartans goaltender, clinching the Air Force win. The 3-2 victory marks the first-ever Falcons win over the Spartans at Cadet Soccer Stadium.

"San Jose (State) was all over us at the end," said Friend. "And then with about 30 seconds left, you just had that feeling. Jordi took another chance for us, and wow. With about 13 seconds left in the game, it doesn't get more exciting than that."

Next, Air Force (4-3-1, 1-0) will have little time to marinate in the thrilling triumph, as the Falcons host Fresno State (2-3-3, 0-0-1) on Sunday, September 26. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.

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