Cougars rally, survive late goal with penalties win over Vikings

BAINBRIDGE - The North Putnam Cougars girls’ soccer team pulled out a crazy victory Tuesday night. Kassidy Hackleman scored two goals and Baylee Turner one in regulation, but it was Turner, as the game was in penalty kicks, who put them up for good in the seventh round to pull out the victory.

The match started at a very fast tempo and the Vikings would get two quick goals, one at the 36 minute mark and one at the 35 minute mark as Rilee Cramer and Alyvia Stark put West Vigo up 2-0 just five minutes into the game.

Kassidy Hackleman got one back five minutes later, breaking free down the right side.

The defenses settled down as center back Riley Huffman did a great job settling the game down and blocking a lot of Viking shots.

“(Riley) is growing into that role really well, she’s excelling just like we wanted,” Cougar coach Jacob Bender said.

Hackleman would pick up another goal with just 40 seconds left in the half. The ball took a funny bounce and split defenders to find the back of the net and tie the game at 2-2 before the half.

All was quiet in the second half until 12:23 left. Turner was able to jump on a deflection and drive it past the goalkeeper to give the Cougars a 3-2 advantage.

The Vikings did not go away. They started throwing people forward into the attack. The clock was winding down when Rilee Cramer was able to sneak one in with just two seconds left to send the game into penalty kicks.

Five shooters took the pitch from each side. Addison Everman and Kendra Ratliff both converted their kicks, but the Vikings got two in also to send it further on. The sixth kickers were not able to score, so it went to the seventh.

Turner drove one off the keeper's gloves and in the net. That left West Vigo one last chance and Emma Bennett hit the post and bounced out to secure the North Putnam win.

“It was incredibly deflating when they got that goal at the end. I am insanely proud. They kept pushing. That’s spirit and everything I’ve been trying to build here,” added coach Bender.

North Putnam wins 3-2 on penalties

Team Stats