Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
2-0-1
Xavier
2-0-1
Soccer Remains Unbeaten with 1-1 Draw versus Xavier
August 27, 2016 | Soccer
MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State's soccer game Friday against Xavier looked like it may be headed for a scoreless draw. The teams did end deadlocked but not until both managed a goal late in regulation.
The 1-1 draw at the Briner Sports Complex left both teams with records of 2-0-1. The Cardinals will look to remain unbeaten when they close out a four-game homestand Sunday at 2 p.m. against Fort Wayne.
"I thought we played very well," Ball State coach Craig Roberts said. "Xavier is a very good team, a well-coached team, always very organized. I felt they had their opportunities when they attempted to counterattack us.
"They really have a strong attacking style. But at the same time, we did create a lot of opportunities. We just needed to be a little bit more consistent with putting the ball in the back of the net."
Ball State generated 21 shots in the game and put 10 on goal, but Xavier keeper Rachel Piccus held strong. She kept the Cardinals scoreless until the 82nd minute when they earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box.
Senior captain Leah Mattingly lined up the kick, drilling it past the wall in front of her and past Piccus to give Ball State a 1-0 advantage.
"The goal was well deserved," Roberts said. "It was a great strike. Leah has been hitting those in practices since she arrived here four years ago, so it's not unfamiliar territory. We were delighted to see that ball go in the back of the net. It was a great rip."
The lead, however, was short-lived. Xavier answered back into the 84th minute when Samantha Dewey found Tori Doss in front of the net for the equalizer.
The teams then remained knotted through the rest of regulation and both overtime periods.
Ball State registered six shots in the overtimes, including five in the first OT. The Cardinals had their best chance early in the second overtime when Piccus got a hand on Lauren Roll's laser from the right side of the box. BSU then had two looks off the ensuing corner kick but could not find another goal.
"I felt it was a great game to represent the intensity that these games will sometimes have," Roberts said. "And for some of our international players, it was the first time they've ever gone to an overtime or a golden-goal situation, so it was great to get that experience so early in the season."
Alyssa Heintschel started in goal for Ball State and made four saves. Mattingly led the Cardinals with four shots in the game and put three of them on goal.
Team Stats
MATTINGLY, Leah (1)
Free kick from just outside box
81:44
Doss, Tori (2)
Assisted By: Dewey, Samantha
off nice pass into box from #21
83:48
