LOUDONVILLE, NY – Maya Costa picked the perfect time to score her first collegiate goal. The freshman netted the equalizer with just 8.6 seconds remaining to help Siena Women's Soccer escape with a point in a 1-1 draw vs. Niagara at rain-soaked Hickey Field.
Â
Siena (3-6-3, 2-1-2) had plenty of chances to cash in earlier, namely during a dominant second half when they out-shot Niagara (2-9-2, 1-3-2) by an 11-4 margin while attempting six corners in the final stanza. But Agnes Stenlund made four of her six saves in the final half, while the Saints hit a crossbar and also had another potential goal cleared off the line by a defender.
Â
While Siena missed its window, the Purple Eagles made them pay on a rare second half opportunity. In the 78
th minute, Maia MacLean headed a shot off the crossbar, but Amanda Cripps was right there to tap in the rebound to give Niagara a late lead.
Â
But the Saints would find redemption on their final chance. With their backs against the wall, only 17 seconds to go and the clock stopped following a foul,
Kam Vanderbosch set in play a free kick from her defensive end just over midfield.
Grace George corralled the pass out wide right and sent a beautiful 40-plus yard Hail Mary into the box. A pair of Siena players converged, with the ball finding the head of Costa who hit a perfect strike into the bottom right corner as Hickey Field erupted.
Â
Overall, the Saints held a 17-13 edge in shots while attempting a season-high 10 corners.
Angela Fini made three saves for Siena which ran its unbeaten streak to three as they start to pick up steam heading into the stretch run.
Â
The Saints will complete the Western New York part of their schedule Wednesday when they travel to Buffalo to take on Canisius at 4 p.m.
Â
