Lady Tigers defeat Southern 2-1 in overtime

HOUSTON – Madison Phillips' first collegiate goal could not have come at a better time as she booted the match-winning golden goal Sunday as Texas Southern defeated Southern 2-1 in overtime.
 
A freshman from Trenton, N.J., Phillips was in the right place just outside the goal box to strike home a rebound off a shot from Tiana Humphrey that Southern goalkeeper Victoria Mendes couldn't control, less than a minute after the opening whistle of the first overtime.
 
The win improved Texas Southern's record to 9-6-1, with a 6-1-1 record in Southwestern Athletic Conference play. TSU's nine wins in 2016 set a new program best for victories in a single season.
 
Sunday's triumph, coupled with Arkansas–Pine Bluff's 1-0 loss at Howard on Sunday, gave the Lady Tigers sole possession of second place on the SWAC table. TSU will try to clinch the No. 2 seed in the SWAC Tournament when the Lady Tigers host in-state rival Prairie View A&M on Friday.
 
The loss dropped Southern (3-12) into eighth place in the SWAC with a 3-6 league record.
 
Paige Howard scored her 10th goal of the season in the 42nd minute when she took an accurate through pass from Kailand Thompson into the area and placed a slow kick into the far left corner, just out of Mendes' reach.
 
Texas Southern drastically limited Southern's scoring opportunities, as the Lady Tigers outshot their opponents 22-3. The lone shot on goal by Jaguar was Sophia Zavala's precision kick from 30 yards out that TSU goalkeeper Alexis Robles couldn't get to.
 
After a chippy second half that saw two Southern players sent off, TSU did not allow Southern any more meaningful scoring chances. The playing field advantage forced Southern to merely play for a tie while TSU continued to little Mendes with shots.
 
Sunday's match was the fifth overtime contest TSU has played in this season. They improved to 2-2-1 in overtime matches, and claimed its first overtime win at home this season.
 
The Lady Tigers conclude the regular season Friday at home against Prairie View A&M. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Alexander Durley Stadium on the TSU campus.