Ball State University Athletics
Soccer Claims 2-1 Exhibition Victory At Xavier
August 18, 2009 | Soccer
CINCINNATI, Ohio - The Ball State soccer team opened the 2009 season with a 2-1 exhibition victory over the Xavier Musketeers Monday evening at the Xavier Soccer Complex. The Cardinals scored two early second half goals to take control of the contest as they scored 10 minutes apart.
"Tonight was a great way to start our season as we were able to measure ourselves against another opponent," second-year head coach Michael Lovett said. "As a team, we played together and more consistent in the second half. Our quality play in the second half was rewarded by a pair of goals and some good scoring chances. Everyone that was healthy was able to play tonight and that is what you want for a preseason contest."
Junior forward Missy Gordon (Carmel, Ind./Marshall) highlighted the offensive attack as she tallied a goal and an assist in her inaugural contest as a Cardinal. The Cardinals out-shot the Musketeers by a 14-9 margin and dominated play in the offensive end with a 9-2 advantage on corner kicks.
The two teams spent the first half trying to gain footing in their first game of the season. Ball State made adjustments at halftime and came out in the second half and controlled the tempo of the game. Gordon broke the scoreless contest open in the 52nd minute as she ran onto a loose ball at the top of the 18-yard box and blasted a shot into the top corner of the goal.
Freshman forward Paige Stroinski (Granger, Ind./Penn) tallied the game-winning goal in the 62nd minute. Gordon broke free down the right side of the 18-yard box and sent a cross into the six-yard line. The cross got past Xavier goalkeeper Kelly Ferrell and found an on-charging Stroinski for the tap-in for the 2-0 lead.
Xavier made a late push as Carly Wenzel broke in behind the Cardinals' defense in the 82nd minute but freshman goalkeeper Nicole Wood (Strongsville, Ohio/Strongsville) came out and nullified the breakaway effort. The Musketeers ruined the BSU shutout bid in the 89th minute as they converted on just their second corner kick attempt and took advantage of the BSU defensive effort.
Wood picked up the victory as she tallied two saves in the second half effort while senior goalkeeper Amy Cleeter (Aurora, Ind./South Dearborn) turned in a scoreless first half performance.
Ball State will continue preparation for the regular season and will officially open the 2009 season Friday, August 28 as it battles Miami (Fla.) in the Sunshine State. The Cardinals will also face off against Florida Atlantic August 30 in their opening weekend.
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