Indianapolis, IN — In the latest installment of shoulda, woulda, coulda, the Goshen College women’s soccer team dropped a heartbreaking 1-0 decision to Mid-Central Conference rival Marian College on Wednesday, allowing the host Knights the only score of the match with just three minutes remaining in the first overtime period.

After 90 minutes of soccer, Goshen (2-12-1, 0-6) kept the match scoreless behind solid, determined play. Freshman goalkeeper Emmy Gibson was again stellar, thwarting 20 shots on the Leafs’ goal for the afternoon.

“I thought we played well and hard,” said Thavisith Mounsithiraj, Goshen head coach. “It has been tough for us to play well on the road this year. With injuries still plaguing our starters, it is mentally tough to stay focused. However, we certainly came out strong and tried to put some good combination passing together. We were able to find some space in the middle third of the field. We didn’t allow an easy goal.”

Goshen’s defense proved to be a stalwart all match long, bending but not breaking. Gibson anchored a strong unit with junior Hannah Eash and sophomores Sara Groff and Mary Jo Martin playing well, keeping a talented Marian squad out of the net.

Following regulation, it appeared that a tie was pending, as again Gibson proved to be too tough in the back for the Knights to break through. That all changed in the 98th minute, however, as a pair of Marian forwards put together a nice give and go play that resulted in the game-winner.

“Emmy Gibson once again made it tough for Marian with 20 quality saves,” Mounsithiraj said. “We played a very good game against a strong team who had been scoring and winning some very good matches. Marian is a good and physical team that does not allow many quality chances at their goal.”

Those lack of opportunities — Goshen finished with just two shots on goal for the day — continue to be the downfall for the Leafs. In 15 total matches this season, Goshen has been held scoreless in 10.

Senior Molly Kauffman gave her squad its best chance of scoring midway through the second half against the Knights. The fourth-year midfielder blasted a direct free kick from just outside the 18-yard box that sailed over the top of the crossbar by a few inches. Had it fallen, Mounsithiraj said he believed his team was playing well enough to win.

“Give Marian credit, they made a tremendous run toward the end which resulted in a very quality goal,” Mounsithiraj said. “We'll continue to rehab our injured and get ready for a tough match at Spring Arbor.”

Goshen will next travel to Spring Arbor University for a meeting with the Cougars, the current second-place squad in the MCC standings. The Leafs will make the trip to Michigan on Saturday. Match time is set for 2 p.m.