The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Colorado
Higgins scores in double overtime to send Soccer to Big 12 Championship Semifinals
11.04.2009 | Soccer
Nov. 4, 2009
Box Score 
| Box Score
SAN ANTONIO -- Freshman Hannah Higgins scored in the 107th minute to lift the University of Texas Soccer team past third-seeded Colorado, 1-0, in Big 12 Championship quarterfinal action Wednesday afternoon. The sixth-seeded Longhorns move to 9-8-3 on the season and advance to the 8 p.m. semifinal match on Friday, Nov. 6 against Texas A&M.
After having just defeated Colorado a week earlier in the same fashion (1-0 double overtime, Oct. 25), the Longhorns once again came out on top with Higgins' fourth goal of the season. Sophomore Courtney Goodson brought the ball up the field and sent a pass to freshman Kristin Cummins in the middle of the box who then one-touched it to Higgins. Higgins drew CU keeper Kara Linder off her line and then volleyed the ball right over Linder for the score.
The game played to the same tune as their contest just over a week ago with the majority of play taking place in the middle third of the field. Goodson had appeared to give the Longhorns the lead in the 31st minute when she had a one-on-one with Linder. The sophomore midfielder took one too many touches and sent the ball just wide of the net.
Texas controlled play for the majority of the second half outshooting the Buffs 13-7 with shots from Sophie Campise, Kylie Doniak, Goodson, Stephanie Gibson and Kristin Cummins. With neither team being able to find the back of the net before the end of regulation, the match went to overtime.
Only Colorado was able to find a good look in the first 10 minute extra period sending the game once again to double overtime. This time Texas held the advantage in shots, 4-0, including a near miss from junior defender Erica Campanelli whose header hit the cross bar and bounced off.
With the win, Texas advances the Big 12 semifinals for the first time since winning it all in 2007 and for the eighth time in program history.
The Longhorns will now face Texas A&M on Friday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. Central. Fans can tune into a free live web stream of the match on Big12Sports.com.
POST MATCH QUOTES
Head Coach Chris Petrucelli
On the game overall: We started out a little bit tentative. But that had to do with the fact we were playing a team that did well moving the ball. The game went back and forth. The first period of overtime I feel like they had more of the play. I was concerned with what we had left in the second overtime. And in the second overtime we dug deep to gut out a huge win for us.
On how this game matched up to the last matchup against Colorado: I think last time we played them they controlled the ball well, but we had more shots, and seemed more aggressive. And today was a similar game.
On maintaining the team's energy: It was hot. And neither one of us has a full bench due to injuries and things like that. It was difficult day for either team to run at full tempo, but I think we did a pretty good job considering.
On the Colorado Forward Nikki Marshall: Nikki is one of the best players in the country and anytime you keep her off the board, you are doing well for your team. She is an excellent player and a top class kid too.
Freshman forward Hannah Higgins
On scoring in double overtime: It was an all around relief. We had so many chances throughout the entire game that just did not get into the goal. So I think most of all we were just relieved that our work paid off.
On the team's mentality going into overtime: We talked going into our second overtime about how we had played so hard and that we really deserved this. We said there was no need to drag this out and no one wanted to go into penalty kicks, so we stepped up, and found that last bit of energy to finish the game. We weren't ready to end our season tonight and we keep the on their heels.
Junior defender Erica Campanelli
On her team's ability to pull through for the win: You come into this tournament with the mentality that you just don't want to go home. So we came out and put our bodies into everything. We played as hard as we could the whole game through.
On shutting down Colorado's offense: We can play with any offense when we play with confidence and remain focused, and I think we proved that today against Colorado.
