Facing a one goal deficit heading into the final 10 minutes, Sam Houston State soccer's Allie Johnson stole pass and rifled the ball into the net from 12 yards out, helping the Bearkats a 2-2 tie at Abilene Christian on Sunday afternoon.
The result came during a crucial game for a Sam Houston (7-6-3, 4-3-2 Southland) team entering Tuesday's match at Incarnate Word in sixth place with the conference's top six qualifying for the league tournament in Conway, Ark., November 5-8.
The Bearkats struck early thanks to an 11th-minute Megan Bennett goal on a ball tapped in from the near post following a corner kick. The goal was the junior's first of the season while Kylie Dick notched her second assist.
The Wildcats (7-7-3, 6-1-2 SLC) rallied back, recording two goals in less than as many minutes. In the 69th minute, Kate Seay put one in from 10 yards back. In the 71st, Abilene Christian took the lead on an unassisted Dylan Owens finisher.
Abilene Christian kept the Kats on the defensive, notching 26 shots, a season high for a Bearkat opponent. Meanwhile, Sam Houston took 16 shots, but made the most of them, recording their first multi-goal game in five matches.
In the net, Sam Houston's Kylie Hambleton made a season high 11 saves, besting her mark of eight against Southeastern Louisiana (Oct. 16) and Baylor (Sept. 4).
The Bearkats have two matches remaining. After visiting the Cardinals at 7 o'clock Tuesday, Sam Houston hosts its final regular season match, when Stephen F. Austin comes to town on Friday at 6:30 p.m. For the latest, follow @SHSUSoccer on Twitter and visit GoBearkats.com.
