Soccer Battles to Scoreless Tie Against Ohio

MUNCIE, Ind. ? The Ball State soccer team battled Mid-American Conference rival Ohio to a scoreless double overtime tie on a blustery Friday afternoon at the BSU Soccer Field. The two teams fought 40-mph winds and unseasonable temperatures for 110 minutes in a showdown of teams tied for second place in the MAC.

"We played really well defensively as a team," head coach Michelle Salmon said. "Jen (Vilkoski) did a great job stepping into the starting lineup today and our back line was solid throughout the game. If we keep generating chances like we did today in the final third, goals will start to come for us."

The Cardinals (9-3-3, 4-2-1 MAC) controlled play throughout game as they out-shot the Bobcats, 24-9. Ball State took advantage of the 55 minutes in which they played with the strong winds as BSU registered 19 shots in the second half and second overtime combined.

The Cardinals came close to breaking the deadlock numerous times in the second half as they notched 10 corner kicks in the half and held a 13-2 advantage in the game on corner kicks. Forward Sarah Schumacker and midfielder Annie Aiello paced the attack with five shots each for the Cardinals.

BSU was held in check by Ohio goalkeeper Dominique Wright who finished with eight saves in 110 minutes. Ohio (6-7-1, 4-2-1 MAC) had its best chance to score in the 89^th minute as Amy Lower found the post on a counter-attack for the Bobcats.

Ball State goalkeeper Rachael Murphy tallied one save on the afternoon as she made a diving save in the first half to keep Ohio off of the board.

The Cardinals will be back in action on Sunday afternoon as they conclude their four-game home stand when Akron comes to town. The game is set for a 1 p.m. start at the BSU Soccer Field.

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Players Mentioned

Annie Aiello

Rachael Murphy

Sarah Schumacker

Players Mentioned

Annie Aiello

Rachael Murphy

Sarah Schumacker