Ball State University Athletics
Ball State University
7-2-1 (2-0-0MAC)
Akron
3-6-1 (0-1-1MAC)
Soccer Defeats Akron for 2-0 MAC Start
September 25, 2016 | Soccer
MUNCIE, Ind. -- The performance wasn't what Ball State soccer coach Craig Roberts was looking for Sunday, but it was a win all the same.
The Cardinals came out flat after a thorough effort Friday against Buffalo but managed to do enough to defeat Akron 1-0 at the Briner Sports Complex.
In so doing, Ball State won its fourth consecutive game by shutout. The Cardinals (7-2-1, 2-0-0 MAC) remained perfect through one weekend of Mid-American Conference play and stayed unbeaten at home for the season.
"I think Friday was one of the best-delivered tactical games we've played," Roberts said. "Today we were very inconsistent. I'm happy with the result but not happy with the way we played."
Sam Kambol's goal in the 54th minute proved to be enough when combined with a strong defensive effort and a couple of key stops by goalkeeper Tristin Stuteville.
Neither team was able to get much going offensively in the first half with most of the activity happening in the midfield. Ball State generated more opportunities in the second half and was able to capitalize on one of them.
Kambol broke through with a tremendous individual effort, racing past several defenders and firing a shot from just inside the 18-yard box that broke the scoreless tie. It was her third goal of the year, matching Lorina White and Lauren Roll for the most on the team.
Akron (3-6-1, 0-1-1 MAC) had a couple of opportunities, but Stuteville was there for key stops. She stonewalled a point-blank shot from Sarah Sivic in the first half and went diving to her left to thwart a deep Hannah Werth free kick late in the game.
It wasn't over until the final seconds when White defended an Akron free kick into the box as the clock ticked down on Ball State's win.
"I felt we were always in control of the game; I just think we didn't execute to the level we needed to," Roberts said. "Akron battled, but we needed to deliver a more consistent performance."
Ball State finished the day with a 14-6 advantage in shots and an 8-2 edge in corner kicks.
The Cardinals will head out on the road next weekend to continue conference play, visiting Eastern Michigan on Friday and Central Michigan on Sunday.
Team Stats
KAMBOL, Sam (3)
beat defender, scored just inside box
53:03
