Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Scott McNitt
Soccer Creates Chances in Exhibition Draw
August 11, 2017 | Soccer
Cardinals open regular season Aug. 18 versus Fort Wayne
MUNCIE, Ind. -- The Ball State soccer team played Oakland to a scoreless draw Friday evening at the Briner Sports Complex in its exhibition tuneup for the 2017 season.
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The Cardinals had the lion's share of the game's opportunities but could not get a shot past the Oakland keeper. Sam Kambol, Melissa Diceman and Lauren Roll all had promising shots turned away. But the Cardinals controlled possession throughout, dominating in total shots and corner kick opportunities.
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"I was overall very pleased with the progress we've made," Ball State coach Craig Roberts said. "We had a few injuries going in, so we weren't at full strength, but I still felt it was a solid performance. We competed very well, put a lot of offense together, created a lot of chances. We were just unfortunate not to convert."
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On the other end of the field, Ball State's back line limited Oakland's chances, and goalkeepers Alyssa Heintschel and Tristin Stuteville combined on a shutout.
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Roberts was able to get a look at a variety of lineup combinations for his team. The Cardinals, who have been training for 10 days, are working to mesh a strong veteran crew and a large group of talented newcomers. Friday marked the first chance to see them all together in game action against another team.
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"It was good to see some of the freshmen get in," Roberts said. "I thought they did a very sturdy job, specifically Shelby (Kean) back on defense and Melissa Diceman really contributing and not backing down from physicality. Overall, I think we've taken some good steps. We've identified some areas we need to solidify, but overall it was a good game competed by two good teams."
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Ball State will now turn its attention to the regular season opener, which is just one week away. The Cardinals host Fort Wayne on Friday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. at the Briner Sports Complex.
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The Cardinals had the lion's share of the game's opportunities but could not get a shot past the Oakland keeper. Sam Kambol, Melissa Diceman and Lauren Roll all had promising shots turned away. But the Cardinals controlled possession throughout, dominating in total shots and corner kick opportunities.
Â
"I was overall very pleased with the progress we've made," Ball State coach Craig Roberts said. "We had a few injuries going in, so we weren't at full strength, but I still felt it was a solid performance. We competed very well, put a lot of offense together, created a lot of chances. We were just unfortunate not to convert."
Â
On the other end of the field, Ball State's back line limited Oakland's chances, and goalkeepers Alyssa Heintschel and Tristin Stuteville combined on a shutout.
Â
Roberts was able to get a look at a variety of lineup combinations for his team. The Cardinals, who have been training for 10 days, are working to mesh a strong veteran crew and a large group of talented newcomers. Friday marked the first chance to see them all together in game action against another team.
Â
"It was good to see some of the freshmen get in," Roberts said. "I thought they did a very sturdy job, specifically Shelby (Kean) back on defense and Melissa Diceman really contributing and not backing down from physicality. Overall, I think we've taken some good steps. We've identified some areas we need to solidify, but overall it was a good game competed by two good teams."
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Ball State will now turn its attention to the regular season opener, which is just one week away. The Cardinals host Fort Wayne on Friday, Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. at the Briner Sports Complex.
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Players Mentioned
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