LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – Despite unseasonably cool temperatures, a steady rain and wet field conditions the Lock Haven University women's soccer team (0-1, 0-1 PSAC) and Clarion University (1-1, 1-1 PSAC) locked up in a thriller today as the Bald Eagles officially opened the 2017 season.
 
Jordan Shoff's (York, Pa./York Suburban) goal in the 77^th minute tied the match at 1-1, but Clarion's Meliah Roman scored the game-winner with just 1.2 seconds left in regulation, and Clarion won 2-1.
 
Lock Haven took control of the match early and held much of the possession during the first half. During the opening 45 minutes, LHU created several strong scoring chances including one that forced a diving stop from Clarion goalkeeper Krista Mosi.
 
As the second half started, the rain grew stronger and the pace of play picked up. Clarion got on the board first after converting on a corner kick. Marina Kelly fired a shot past LHU goalkeeper Bree Hilty and the Golden Eagles led 1-0 in the 64^th minute.
 
Following the Clarion goal, Lock Haven amped up its efforts and the Bald Eagles were rewarded in the 77^th minute of play after Shoff fired home a shot on the far post after Mosi gave up a big rebound after another diving save. The initial shot came from Janelle Swartz (Mifflintown, Pa./Juniata) who cut in and out of the Golden Eagle defense. Her spectacular individual effort freed her from the defenders, allowing her to fire the shot, which led to the rebound and Shoff's goal.
 
As regulation time ticked away Clarion's Erin Rodgers sent a long ball in that slipped by the LHU defense where Roman ran onto the ball and tucked it into the net, giving Clarion the win with just 1.2 seconds left.
 
Hilty finished with four saves.
 
LHU outshot Clarion, 11-8.
 
Today's match marked Lock Haven's 2017 season-opener, home-opener and Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) opener.
 
The Bald Eagles will travel to No. 4 Kutztown University on Wednesday, September 6 for a 3 p.m. PSAC match.