Ball State's women's soccer team defeated IUPUI 5-0 in its only exhibition game of the season Saturday.
Head coach Ron Rainey said he expected this outcome, but he said the Jaguars exposed some weaknesses in the Cardinals' game.
Rainey said his team needs to improve its counterattacks. In the middle of the first half, the Jaguars got their best chance to score when, after repeated pressure by Ball State attackers, the IUPUI offense chipped the ball over freshman fullback Sarah Maxwell to a wide-open attacker. The ensuing shot was tipped over the bar by senior goalie Megan Swafford.-áThis marked the only shot on goal for the Jaguars.
Ball State's first goal came in the 23rd minute by junior Kate Nadalin. Nadalin was at the left corner of the 18-yard box and beat the IUPUI goalie Connie Bigott with a shot on her near side.
The Cardinals' second goal came five minutes later when junior Dee Nocero created a turnover deep in the Jaguars territory and crossed the ball to the left where Nadalin darted in front of Bigott to head the ball in the net.
Rainey said his team works best when it limits its touches and moves the ball quickly.
The third goal of the half was scored by freshman Amy Holst when Bigott punched out a shot that Holst settled to her right foot and deposited in the upper right of the net.
Throughout the match the IUPUI defense gave the Cardinals' offensive players time to settle the ball at their feet without intense pressure. Rainey said this would change when the Cardinals begin playing better teams.
Ball State continued the scoring in the seventh minute of the second half when Nocero beat the Jaguars' keeper with a shot from 15 yards out.
Abby Fleming's free kick near midfield set up the final goal of the game. The ball bounced over the head of the IUPUI goalie and was headed into the net by sophomore Brenda Skoczelas.
Chief Reporter Paul Hines can be reached at sports@bsudailynews.com
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
