Ball State University
Kent State
Soccer Opens MAC Play With 3-1 Victory Over Kent State
September 22, 2006 | Soccer
MUNCIE, Ind. ? The Ball State soccer team opened its 2006 Mid-American Conference schedule with a 3-1 victory over Kent State on a cloudy autumn afternoon at the Ball State Soccer Field. The victory improves the Cardinals to
"We did a good job today of managing the game with our style and tempo," head coach Michelle Salmon said. "We continue to show a lot of heart and character on the field this season. We showed a lot of confidence after scoring early and kept the pressure on a very good Kent State team."
The Cardinals jumped on the Golden Flashes early as they broke open the scoring in the ninth minute. Sophomore forward Sarah Schumacker continued her strong play as she found senior midfielder Vandi Ogden breaking into the offensive zone. Ogden took the open space and blasted a shot from 20-yards out into the top corner past the sprawling Alicia Fernandez for the 1-0 lead.
Kent State evened the scoring with a burst of activity in the 22nd minute. Amy Kressler registered the first shot for the Golden Flashes as she found the cross bar. Lisa Kurz was able to corral the deflection and deposited the ball past Rachael Murphy to even the score at 1-1.
Ball State retook the lead for good just before half as reserve forward Leah Johnson got behind the defense and drew a penalty kick in the 41st minute. Freshman forward Megan Ridley stepped forward and converted the penalty kick for her second career goal to give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead.
The Cardinals picked up an insurance goal in the 79th minute to put the game out of reach. Once again, BSU took advantage of a set-play to register the goal as Katelyn Alexander placed a corner kick perfectly into the box. The ball came through to the far post where Schumacker one-touched the ball into the net for her team-leading fourth goal of the season.
Ball State finished the game out-shooting the Golden Flashes by a 20-9 margin as four different players registered four shots apiece. Murphy picked up the victory as she tallied two saves while Fernandez finished with six saves in the loss.
The victory in the MAC opener improves the Cardinals to
The Cardinals will be back in action on Sunday afternoon as they host Buffalo in a MAC contest. The game is set for a
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