NAMPA, Idaho – Controlling the match from nearly start to finish, Western State Colorado University Women's Soccer was the best team on the pitch Saturday. Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, a win was just out of reach as they earned a 1-1 draw against Academy of Art University.
 
Despite Western (0-1-1, 0-0 RMAC) controlling the match for nearly all 110 minutes, AAU (0-1-1, 0-0 PacWest) converted a 33^rd minute penalty kick to take a 1-0 lead.
 
The Mountaineers struggled to find their offense force in the first half, but controlled the midfield. Both teams combined for five shots in the first 45 minutes.
 
In the second half, everything seemed to come together for the Mountaineers as they played most of the half in the Urban Knights' defensive third. Western continually pressured the AAU defense, outshooting AAU 8-0.
 
"I think the second half truly showed who we are," Western Head Coach Amy Bell said. "We are a team that fights and a team that wants to win. We just need to capitalize on our chances. We are right there."
 
Western looked to take the lead in the 60^th minute when they drew a penalty kick of their own. However, a miraculous save by the Urban Knight keeper, Maggie Alikpalla, kept AAU in the lead.
 
The Mountaineers finally broke through with their first goal of the season after Jessica Kresl found teammate Paige Massey near the middle of the 18-yard box. Massey spun to the right and slotted a shot past the keeper, tying the match at 1-1 in the 80^th minute.
 
With the score tied after 90 minutes, the two teams headed into overtime. Western picked up where they left off in the second half and dominated the first overtime.
 
The Mountaineers continued to put AAU into dangerous situations, and Massey nearly scored her second goal of the match and the game-winner as her shot from 25-yards out on the left side floated over the keeper and hit the crossbar.
 
In the second overtime, Western goalie Katie Simpson-Johnson made two great saves to keep the Mountaineers' hopes alive. However, Western was unable to convert their opportunities into goals.
 
Simpson-Johnson made three saves in the match.
 
Western outshot AAU 13-6 on Saturday.
 
Massey and Kresl led Western, each totaling four shots, three of which were on net.
 
The Mountaineers continue the season next Friday in Grand Junction, Colorado against the University of Nebraska – Kearney at 1 p.m. on Walker Field.