YPSILANTI, Mich. ? The Ball State soccer team picked up its first Mid-American Conference victory of the season on Sunday afternoon as the Cardinals dominated play against Eastern Michigan to claim a 3-0 victory at Scicluna Field.
“The way our team rebounded is a testament to our players,” head coach Michael Lovett said. “The team did a lot of bonding on this road trip and really came together as a unit. We played for each other and for Ball State soccer this afternoon and really executed our style of play. We set the tone in the first five minutes and played with a chip on our shoulder. Our intensity never waned the entire 90 minutes.”
The Cardinals, the two-time defending MAC regular season champions, rebounded from their MAC opening loss on Friday afternoon to earn a split on the opening weekend of conference play. BSU out-shot the Eagles by a 15-9 margin in the victory, as it scored three goals for the second time this season.
Ball State (5-5-0, 1-1-0 MAC) came out of the gate quickly as it was the aggressor from the opening whistle. The Cardinals registered the first four shots of the game with senior forward Emily Rein (Cincinnati, Ohio/Oak Hills) coming close in the fifth minute. Ball State held EMU without a shot until the 21st minute of the first half.
The Cardinals controlled the tempo for most of the first half as they held an 8-3 advantage in shots in the opening frame. Ball State took advantage of its aggressive play in the 41st minute as Rein was pulled downed 25-yards out for a BSU free kick. Junior midfielder Megan Ridley (Indianapolis, Ind./Lawrence Central) stood over the set piece. She bent a shot over the EMU wall and into the top corner past EMU goalkeeper Maggie Manville for the 1-0 BSU lead.
Eastern Michigan (6-3-2, 1-1-0 MAC) came out of halftime and had an opportunity in the 58th minute. EMU forward Vanessa Atanasoski was able to get on the end of a cross from 10-yards out and drilled a header towards the BSU goal. Senior goalkeeper Rachael Murphy (Zionsville, Ind./Zionsville) was in perfect position to snuff out the EMU attack.
The Cardinals picked up an insurance goal in the 77th minute as their pressure once again set up the goal. Sophomore midfielder Meg Mellott (Cincinnati, Ohio/St. Ursula) ripped a shot form 15-yards out that was blocked by an EMU defender and sent it out for a Cardinal corner kick.
Senior defender Jen Vilkoski (Hamilton, Ohio/Fairfield) sent the corner kick into the box. Rein was able to position herself in perfect position to flick a header into the back of the net for her second goal of the season and the 24th of her career. She is just one goal shy of second all-time in BSU history in goals scored (Kate Nadalin 25) and six shy of the BSU record, which is held by Dee Nocero (30). Vilkoski picked up an assist on the goal marking her first career point.
The Cardinals picked up their third goal of the contest just four minutes later in the 81st minute. Senior midfielder Sarah Schumacker (Hamilton, Ohio/Fairfield) found some space and sent a cross into the box. Sophomore forward Jacki Eft (Fishers, Ind./Hamilton Southeastern) brought the cross down and drilled a shot low past a diving Manville to give BSU a 3-0 lead. Eft leads the Cardinals on the season with three goals.
Murphy finished the game with five saves to post her fourth shutout of the season and her 21st of her career. She also now has secured five victories this season and 30 on her career to move into the top spot all-time in career victories at BSU. She moved past former Cardinal Alison Becker (29) for the top spot all-time with today's victory.
The Cardinals open the home portion of the MAC schedule next weekend when they host Buffalo Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. at the BSU Soccer Field. The game will be televised free online at www.ballstatesports.com and on channel 57 in Muncie by the Ball State Sports Link.
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