Although the Ball State University women's soccer team was 1-1 this weekend, it actually suffered two losses.
Ball State (2-2, 0-0 Mid-American Conference) lost to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro 1-0 Sunday and defeated Florida Atlantic University 2-1 Friday at the FAU Kickoff Classic.
Despite the win, Ball State lost goalkeeper Rachael Murphy to a head injury.
Murphy left the 0-0 game in the 38th minute following a collision with a Florida Atlantic forward. The forward tried to jump over Murphy and hit her in the back of the head with her cleat, coach Michelle Salmon said. Murphy stood up and was ready to punt the ball but she got woozy, Salmon said.
"It's one of those things that happens in the game," Salmon said. "A forward comes in and tries to challenge for the ball and try to challenge the keeper and she just happened to clip the back of her head."
Sophomore Amy Cleeter replaced Murphy in the goal following the collision.
"It's my job as reserve keeper to train for instances like that," Cleeter said.
The Cardinals broke the scoreless tie with a goal from junior Annie Aiello off of a penalty kick in the 48th minute.
Senior Beth Meyer added to the lead with a goal off an assist from junior Katelyn Alexander in the 58th minute.
Florida Atlantic got a goal in the 69th minute to end the shutout but Ball State preserved the win.
Cleeter recorded one save in 52:50 minutes.
"One of the things that is great about Cleeter is that she is always into the game," Salmon said.
Cleeter started in goal for the Cardinals against UNC Greensboro. It was the first time since Salmon arrived at Ball State in 2006 that someone other than Murphy started at goalkeeper for Ball State.
Cleeter played all 90 minutes and recorded three saves in Ball State's 1-0 loss.
"Having no drop-off was amazing," Salmon said. "Cleeter is a very good player in her own right. She did what was expected of her, come in and contribute."
This season, Cleeter recorded four saves and allowed three goals in 158:30 minutes of play. She has allowed 1.7 goals per game and saved .571 percent of shots on goal in three games.
Cleeter played 15:40 minutes and allowed a goal in Ball State's 5-1 victory against IPFW to open the season.
There was not much difference in replacing Murphy after her injury compared to replacing her in a game with a big lead, Cleeter said.
"It's about the same," Cleeter said. "You go into the game, whether the team is ahead or whether it's a close game, you rely on your team and do your best and that is all you can do."
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