Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
Marshall (Exhibition)
Soccer Tops Marshall 1-0 in Exhibition Action
August 14, 2016 | Soccer
MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Ball State soccer team ushered in its 2016 season Sunday with a 1-0 exhibition victory over Marshall at the Briner Sports Complex.
Allison Abbe's second-half goal accounted for the game's only scoring as the Cardinals posted a shutout in their lone tuneup for the regular season.
"I think the overall performance was a very solid foundation to build on," Ball State coach Craig Roberts said. "It was a big relief to actually play an opposing team. We've been working really hard this preseason, and to actually be tested showed us areas we need to improve and areas where we're doing really well."
After a scoreless first half, Ball State found the scoreboard early in the second. Peighton Cook's shot attempt was deflected by the Marshall goalkeeper, but Abbe was there for the rebound goal. Abbe, a Cincinnati transfer, set Cook up for the initial attempt.
The Ball State back line held Marshall's scoring threats in check. Goalkeepers Tristin Stuteville and Alyssa Heintschel combined to shut out a Thundering Herd Team that won 15 games last season.
"Their leading scorer and a lot of their main pieces returned this year, so it was going to be a strong test for us," Roberts said. "For the most part, our girls did what we asked them to do. We created a lot of chances, and I felt we looked stronger offensively than last year, so that's exciting to see."
Ball State is just days away from the start of its regular season. The defending Mid-American Conference champions will welcome Eastern Kentucky for a 5 p.m. kickoff in Friday's opener. They will also host IUPUI at 2 p.m. Sunday.
