Ball State University Athletics
Fraley's Brace Leads Soccer In 3-1 Victory Over Kent State
October 05, 2023 | Soccer
MUNCIE, Ind. - - Junior forward Lexi Fraley scored her second career brace to help the Ball State soccer team remain undefeated at home this season in a 3-1 victory over Kent State Thursday afternoon at the Briner Sports Complex.
Â
"That's one of the things that's consistently shown up for us, our offense," head coach Josh Rife said. "It's great to have them continue to create chances and then capitalize. I am proud of the group. It's been a very focused, controlled effort. They are on their front foot and hungry, and you want your attacking players to play confidently. I think this group is doing that."
Â
Fraley connected for the Cardinals' (5-5-2; 3-0-2 Mid-American Conference) opening and final goals of the match to raise her career total to 14. She also kept the pressure on the Golden Flashes' (6-4-2; 3-2-0 MAC) with some strong runs up the pitch and all three of her shots testing the KSU goalkeeper.
Â
Speaking of pressure, sophomore forward Emily Roper added five shots on goal, including scoring what proved to be the match-winner in the 37th minute off a beautiful cross from freshman forward Kaelyn Valleau. It was Valleau's first career assist, and Roper's fourth goal of the season, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead heading into intermission.
Â
After Kent State cut the Ball State lead to one goal in the 66th minute, the Cardinals were able to capitalize on an interception from sophomore midfielder Tori Monaco who found Fraley for a late insurance goal in the 87th minute.
Â
Monaco also had an assist on Fraley's opening goal in the 14th minute, helping Ball State improve to 5-0-0 in matches played at the Briner Sports Complex. It was Monaco's second two assist game of the season, as she also had a pair of assists on goals by senior forward Avery Fenchel in the season-opening win over Mercyhurst (Aug. 17).
Â
In the net, redshirt junior Bethany Moser picked up three more saves, limiting the league's second-place team entering the day to just one goal.
Â
"There are no easy games in the MAC," Rife added. "Every game is hard and the ability to defend home turf has been fantastic from this group."
Â
The Ball State soccer team returns to action Sunday when it travels to Buffalo for a 1 p.m. rematch of last season's MAC Championship match.
Â
"That's one of the things that's consistently shown up for us, our offense," head coach Josh Rife said. "It's great to have them continue to create chances and then capitalize. I am proud of the group. It's been a very focused, controlled effort. They are on their front foot and hungry, and you want your attacking players to play confidently. I think this group is doing that."
Â
Fraley connected for the Cardinals' (5-5-2; 3-0-2 Mid-American Conference) opening and final goals of the match to raise her career total to 14. She also kept the pressure on the Golden Flashes' (6-4-2; 3-2-0 MAC) with some strong runs up the pitch and all three of her shots testing the KSU goalkeeper.
Â
Speaking of pressure, sophomore forward Emily Roper added five shots on goal, including scoring what proved to be the match-winner in the 37th minute off a beautiful cross from freshman forward Kaelyn Valleau. It was Valleau's first career assist, and Roper's fourth goal of the season, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead heading into intermission.
Â
After Kent State cut the Ball State lead to one goal in the 66th minute, the Cardinals were able to capitalize on an interception from sophomore midfielder Tori Monaco who found Fraley for a late insurance goal in the 87th minute.
Â
Monaco also had an assist on Fraley's opening goal in the 14th minute, helping Ball State improve to 5-0-0 in matches played at the Briner Sports Complex. It was Monaco's second two assist game of the season, as she also had a pair of assists on goals by senior forward Avery Fenchel in the season-opening win over Mercyhurst (Aug. 17).
Â
In the net, redshirt junior Bethany Moser picked up three more saves, limiting the league's second-place team entering the day to just one goal.
Â
"There are no easy games in the MAC," Rife added. "Every game is hard and the ability to defend home turf has been fantastic from this group."
Â
The Ball State soccer team returns to action Sunday when it travels to Buffalo for a 1 p.m. rematch of last season's MAC Championship match.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Soccer
F
/ Soccer
M
/ Soccer
GK
/ Soccer
F
/ Soccer
F
/ SoccerSports Link: National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Wednesday, February 25
Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day // Produced by Ball State Sports Link
Wednesday, February 04
Sports Link: Beats & Cleats (Emily Roper)
Friday, October 31
Sports Link: Every Step (Annika Klauss)
Thursday, October 30