The UNA soccer team competed in extra time for the second straight contest, taking on the Belmont Abbey Crusaders Saturday night in their home debut.

The Lions settled for a 2-2 draw Thursday when they traveled to McKendree University but were able to find the net tonight in the overtime period for a thrilling 1-0 victory.

Each team struggled to maintain possession throughout the contest. After 90 minutes of regulation, the game remained scoreless.

“When we scheduled (Belmont Abbey), we knew it was going to be a competitive game,” said UNA head coach Chris Walker. “Those games are the kind we want to play, not just at the end of the year.”

Despite outshooting the Crusaders 19-9, the Lions could not seem to buy a goal in regulation. It was frustrating for the players, but senior forward Chloe Richards knew her and her teammates had to keep shooting.

“They played a different game,” Richards said, who had 13 shot and five shots on goal. “It was frustrating the first half. I had a few good shots but none of them went in. I knew if I got the opportunities one would eventually go in.”

Three minutes into the first extra time period, Richards was able to head a ball in on an assist from Alyssa Bova.

“Alyssa Bova and I had quite a few goals last season,” Richards said. “Headers aren’t my strong point but it came across to me. I knew I had to make the most of it, because in overtime you don’t get many opportunities.”

The game-winning goal was Richards’ second of the season.

With the win, the Lions improve to 1-0-1 this season. UNA will travel to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to take on Nova Southeastern Sept.11.