RUSTON – The Louisiana Tech soccer team opened up Conference USA play last weekend with a heartbreaking loss in overtime.
 
This time around, the Lady Techsters were on the winning side as Sophie Fijneman's golden goal in the second OT period gave the home team a 1-0 victory over UTSA on Friday night at the Ruston Sports Complex.
 
Players from both teams were muddied up from head to toe on the cold, rainy night.  The soggy field did not affect scoring opportunities though as LA Tech (8-3, 1-1 C-USA) and UTSA (1-4-1, 0-2 C-USA) combined for 28 shot attempts. 
 
After zeroes remained on the scoreboard through the first two periods and even after the first OT, the 28th shot attempt came from Sophie Fijneman who planted the left-footed shot into the back of the net for the golden goal. 
 
"I am so proud of the team tonight," said head coach Kevin Sherry.  "They played so hard from the first minute to the last.  The team stood tall in a very competitive game, fought for every loose ball and got their reward in the end. 
 
"The game was like a tennis match at times, back and forth.  Our defense had to fight off a very direct long ball offensive style, which provided us a platform to counter attack with.  Every single player gave 100 percent effort to the cause.  And the goal was an amazing way to finish such a tough game."
 
The Roadrunners had the upper hand in the first half when it came to scoring chances.  They had eight shot attempts and three corner kicks that resulted on no goals.
 
In the second half, the shots flipped in favor of the Lady Techsters.  And in the 76th minute, it appeared as though the home team took a 1-0 lead when Amber Posthauer put in a one-touch finish off a rebound from the opposing keeper, but the referee put up his flag signaling offside. 
 
To overtime they went at nil-nil.  UTSA had the lone shot attempt in the first overtime period, which was saved by Christina Hjelvik.  The sophomore keeper saved another attempt by the Roadrunners in the second overtime period. 
 
Then in the 105th minute, Fijneman intercepted a pass, the beginning of an incredible individual effort.  She raced past one defender, kept possession and control around another defender, dribbled around the last line of defense and then placed the ball inside the far post.
 
It marked her team-high fourth goal of the season and her second game-winning streak.  The midfielder has scored a goal in three of the last four matches.  She had a game-high four shot attempts along with Amber Posthauer.   
 
Seven Lady Techsters went the distance, including Hjelvik who was credited with five saves in the shutout victory in net. 
 
LA Tech heads back out on the road for its next match, which comes on Friday, March 12 at North Texas.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
 
For all the latest in LA Tech Soccer, follow them on Twitter (@LATechSOC), Instagram (@LATechSOC) and Facebook (LATechSoccer).