RALEIGH, N.C. -- In a battle of the top two teams in the USA South East diviison, the Meredith College soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision that went into a second overtime period against the regular season East division champion Methodist at the MC Athletic Complex on Wednesday night.

With the result, the Avenging Angels fall to 6-4-2 on the year and 4-2-2 in league play and snaps a three-match unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, Methodist sits at 11-1 overall and a perfect 8-0 in conference games. Methodist has already clinched the regular season title in the division and will host a quarterfinal game in the league tournament on Oct. 30.

Methodist got on the board first after a tackle in the box was called as a foul resulting in a penalty kick. Madison Brunson shot to the left side and beat the keeper for the first tally of the match at the 8:14 mark. In the 27th minute, a Methodist foul resulted in a free kick for Meredith from just outside the 18-yard box. The set piece resulted in an equalizer as Meredith Warrick netted a goal off the free kick, 1-1. The score held through the remainder of the first half as each side went into the break in a draw.

Neither side found the back of the net in the second half depsite several chances from both sides in a tough battle between both teams. 

The first overtime period also saw aggressive play from each squad but neither was able to find the back of the next. With less than four minutes remaining in the final overtime period, the Monarchs were able to get behind the Angels' defense in the six-yard box and drew another foul that warranted yet another penalty shot for Brunson who notched the game-winner.

THe game saw the Monarchs enter extra time for the first time this season, but also resulted in the team's ninth one-goal contest this season. For the Avenging Angels, it was the fifth game to head into overtime with all five games going into the second extra time period. 

In the game, Miranda Lutz stppped seven shots in all 107 minutes, while Caley Justice played the first 45 and stopped one of the two shots on target and Mary Newman made one save in the win.

As a team, Methodist held an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks and a 15-8 edge in shots.

The Avenging Angels close out the regular season on Senior Day on Saturday, Oct. 23, as they host Southern Virginia at 1 pm. The team will find out their postseason seeding after the result of the contest and hope to host a tournament game next week.

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