COCHRAN, Ga. – The Thomas University Women's soccer team's match against Middle Georgia State was indeed a battle, but a golden goal from MGA's Miagh Downey in the 97th minute broke the hearts of Night Hawk Nation, falling 3-2 Thursday evening at Nesmith Field.
 
The Hunter Green & White (2-2) was limited to eight shots with six shots on goal while recording 10 fouls.  Freshman Keeper Emily Lamoreaux recorded four saves on the night.
 
Thomas set the tone early, taking two shots within the first three minutes of the match.  The Knights (3-3-1, 1-0 SSAC) responded with a few shots of their own, but neither side would buckle.  The Purple, Black, & White struck first in the 34th minute, as Downey capitalized off a defensive miscue by the Night Hawks to go ahead 1-0.   
 
The second half gave TU a chance to upstart its offense, as the Night Hawks scored two goals in a span of 75 seconds.  The first goal came from reigning A.I.I. Player of the Week Ayla Aiduck, who was set up for a pass by Sophomore Jana Pastorek after dispossessing an MGA defender to tie the contest at one goal apiece.  Moments later, a foul from the Knights set up a penalty kick for Senior Taylor Hults, who converted for a second, consecutive time, burying the shot from the upper right shelf to give TU its first lead of the match (2-1).
 
The lead was short-lived, however, as the Knights' would tie the game 2-2 off a Maria Garcia corner kick in the 71st minute.
 
The Night Hawks will be back on the pitch Saturday to face the Baronesses of Brewton-Parker College, with a kickoff fixture of 1 p.m.
 
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com.  Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of TU women's soccer by following them on Twitter at @NightHawksWSocc.