Colombia plays to double-OT draw against North Korea

July 7, 2011 | News, UToday
By Brian DeBenedictis



Gaitàn

Gaitàn

UT women’s soccer defender Natalia Gaitàn and Colombia played to a 0-0 double overtime draw against North Korea Wednesday in a Group C match at the 2011 Women’s World Cup.

With the draw, Colombia wraps up its first appearance in the World Cup with a 0-2-1 mark.

“I’m proud of Natalia’s effort at the World Cup,” Toledo Head Women’s Soccer Coach Brad Evans said. “She played so well in all three of Colombia’s matches. Being able to draw against North Korea and earning their first point is a great step for Colombia. I can’t wait to get Natalia back on campus and to hear about her experiences.”

Colombia made the better start in the final match for both teams, but North Korea came closest to scoring when Jo Yun Mi’s shot flew narrowly wide of the corner of the net in the sixth minute.

Yulieht Dominguez tried her luck from a distance for Colombia minutes later, requiring netminder Hong Myong Hui to make a save.

In the second half, Colombia’s Orianica Velasquez’s free kick was gathered easily by Hong in the 66th minute, and Katerin Castro had another shot blocked.

Both sides went all out to score toward the end of the contest, when North Korea’s Jo was close again by heading narrowly wide in the 86th minute.

Colombia finished a 19-14 advantage in total shots, including a 5-2 edge in shots on goal.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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