Soccer Sets School Record with 10-Game Unbeaten Streak

Sunday, October 16

Muncie, Ind.

2:00 PM

Ball State University

12-2-2 (7-0-1MAC)

Toledo

6-9-1 (1-6-1MAC)

Team	1	2	Final F
Toledo	0	1	1
Ball State	1	1	2

Photo by: Ball State University Creative Services

Soccer Sets School Record with 10-Game Unbeaten Streak

October 16, 2016 | Soccer

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Cardinals take over first place with three games left in MAC regular season

MUNCIE, Ind. -- It was a wet afternoon but an historic one for the Ball State soccer team Sunday at the Briner Sports Complex.

Goals from Emily Scott and Gabby Veldman propelled the Cardinals to a 2-1 victory over Toledo as they ran their unbeaten streak to 10 games. Four teams in school history have had nine-game streaks, but none had ever reached 10 … until Sunday.

To top it off, Ball State (12-2-2, 7-0-1 MAC) moved into sole possession of first place in the Mid-American Conference race courtesy of Kent State's draw with Eastern Michigan. The Cardinals are two points clear of the Golden Flashes in the standings with three games to play.

"We've just been consistent with our performances," Ball State coach Craig Roberts said. "The girls have been able to reflect on previous games, and they've done well at preparing for the next team. They pay attention to detail and come out ready to perform."

Alyssa Heintschel provided clutch play in goal to earn the win. She finished the day with five saves, including some finger-tip deflections that kept Toledo (6-9-1, 1-6-1 MAC) off the scoreboard for most of the game. The Rockets got a late score from Kiersten Johnson, only the second goal Ball State has allowed in eight conference games.

By that time, the Cardinals had already built a 2-0 lead. But it hadn't come easy on this rainy day.

The game was scoreless into the 45th minute before Ball State tallied a late first-half goal for the second game in a row to grab momentum. Lorina White pushed the ball up from the back line and started a nice passing combination that went to Shannon Greeley and on to Scott. The sophomore midfielder beat Toledo keeper Katie Wilson from a tough angle on the right side to put the Cardinals on the board.

It remained a 1-0 game until the 70th minute when Ball State earned one of its six corner kicks on the day. Chay McNitt sent a threatening ball among a slew of bodies in the 6-yard box, and Gabby Veldman deflected it across the line to give her team a two-goal advantage.

Ball State held on from there to improve to 12-2-2 on the season, marking the best start in program history through 16 games. The current 10-game unbeaten streak has included nine wins and one draw.

The Cardinals continued to receive contributions from players across the board. This year's team relies just as heavily on its young players as it does on the veterans. With Scott's goal Sunday, 18 of Ball State's 28 goals have now come from freshmen or sophomores.

Roberts has been especially impressed with the play of his freshman class. The group includes right back Yela Ziswiler, who has started every game, forward Sam Kambol, who owns four goals, and midfielder Julia Elvbo, who has scored three times and helped the Cardinals control games.

Peighton Cook, Mónica Padilla and Paula Guerrero -- a sophomore getting her first taste of college soccer -- have also played remarkably well in the midfield this season.

"They're having a great impact," Roberts said "What makes them so special is they're willing to listen and absorb what is being taught. They're also mature enough to take on the reigns of starting positions and do a great job of just being consistent with everything. All our freshmen across the board are really producing and doing well."

Ball State will head back on the road this week for games Thursday at Ohio and Sunday at second-place Kent State. The Cardinals will then return home to close out the regular season Oct. 27 against Miami.