WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Carey Lady Crusaders battled No. 1-ranked Keiser University to a 1-1 draw Tuesday morning at Arrigo-Vecellio Field.
Both defenses controlled the action throughout a tightly contested first half, limiting opportunities on both ends. The teams combined for just six shots in the opening 45 minutes, with only two being on frame.
Carey generated the first dangerous chance when
Luana Falconeri slipped past her defender inside the penalty area and fired toward the bottom corner. However, Keiser goalkeeper Mio Tanaka made a crucial save to keep the match scoreless.
In the 33rd minute,
Kayla Martin nearly gave the Lady Crusaders the lead with a high, floating shot destined for the underside of the crossbar, but Tanaka again came through with a fingertip stop to deny the attempt.
Keiser's best opportunity of the half came in the closing minutes when a cross found its way behind the Carey goalkeeper.
Livia Pertl was in position to clear the danger, preserving the scoreless deadlock heading into halftime.
The second half opened much like the first, with neither side able to break through until the 57th minute.
Raquel Diaz sent a free kick into the box, where
Maddie Davis collected the loose ball and calmly slotted a shot inside the post to give Carey a 1-0 advantage.
The lead, however, was short-lived. In the 68th minute, a handball in the penalty area on a blocked Keiser shot resulted in a penalty kick for the Seahawks. Haley Miller converted the opportunity to level the match at 1-1.
Both defenses remained firm over the final 22 minutes, preventing any late breakthroughs as the two sides settled for the draw.
Carey returns to action on Sunday, Aug. 30, when the Lady Crusaders travel to Lawrenceville, Georgia, to face Georgia Gwinnett. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
