Soccer Battles Hard in Exhibition Loss at Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - - In its first test of the 2021 fall season, the Ball State soccer team turned in a strong performance, holding a tough Louisville squad scoreless in the opening half of Saturday's exhibition game at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium.

Unfortunately, the wrong Cardinals struck for a pair of goals in the second half, as UofL managed to earn a 2-0 victory.

In the opening 45 minutes, Ball State's defense stood up to a strong challenge from Louisville, as senior goalkeeper Alex DeRuvo turned away five shots on goal.

While the host Cardinals had eight shots in the opening half, it was the visiting Cardinals who would have the last scoring chance as sophomore midfielder Avery Fenchel struck one off crossbar in the 42'.

Ball State would go on to get its first shot on goal early in the second half, as the UofL keeper stopped a brilliant shot to the top right corner by senior defender Emily Simmons in the 54'.

Unfortunately, Louisville was able to keep the pressure on in the second half and scored goals in the 60th and 72nd minutes to secure the victory.

DeRuvo finished the game with six saves on 16 shots faced, playing the first 75 minutes. Freshman Abby Jenkins entered for the final 15 minutes, saving all three shots on goal she faced.

Overall, Louisville managed 21 shots, with 11 going on net. Ball State countered with five shots, four coming in the final 45 minutes of play.

The Ball State soccer team opens the regular season next Sunday (Aug. 22), when it travels to Valparaiso for a 2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT kick off.

Soccer Battles Hard in Exhibition Loss at Louisville

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Players Mentioned

Alex DeRuvo

Avery Fenchel

Abby Jenkins

Emily Simmons

Players Mentioned

Alex DeRuvo

Avery Fenchel

Abby Jenkins

Emily Simmons