A Pair Of Quick Goals Leads Soccer Past Toledo

MUNCIE, Ind. - - The Ball State soccer team scored two goals in a two-and-a-half-minute span early in the second half to secure a 2-1 result over Toledo Thursday afternoon in Mid-American Conference play at the Briner Sports Complex.

"I thought we played well in the first half, there were just a couple of things we needed to adjust," head coach Josh Rife said. "One of the best things about this group, outside of our depth and competitiveness, is our ability to take information at half and make adjustments. That showed that today."

After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, the league's top two offenses came out firing in the second half, starting with a great save by Cardinals (4-5-1; 2-0-1 MAC) goalkeeper Bethany Moser in the 46th minute.

Moments later, Ball State was able to draw a corner at the other end of the pitch. The Cardinals worked the set piece to perfection as the insert from junior forward Lexi Fraley found the head of sophomore forward Emily Roper. The header then found the foot of sophomore forward Delaney Caldwell who smashed the ball into the back of the net for her second goal of the season one second into the 50th minute.

The Cardinals kept the pressure on the Rockets (3-5-2; 0-2-1 MAC) drawing a throw in deep in the offensive zone, which junior middle Kaitlyn Fraser popped into the goal area. A miscommunication on the clearance attempt between a Toledo defender and keeper allowed the ball to be headed right to an attacking Avery Fenchel who promptly scored her team-leading sixth goal of the season midway through the 52nd minute.

"It's great to play with the lead," Rife said about the impact of the two quick goals. "It takes a little pressure off and that's the balance with our group, we can play more free."

While Toledo would add a goal of its own 1:11 later, thanks to Kaema Amachree, the Cardinals defense stood tall the rest of the match. The biggest defensive play was made by Moser, who came up with a brilliant diving save in the 82nd minute after a Toledo attacker received a pass just outside the box and attempted to place the ball in the lower left corner.

It was the final of three saves Moser made in the contest, helping stymie the league's top scoring team entering the day.

"Bethany keeps getting better and better," Rife added about his goalkeeper. "Her past is well documented, and I think she is finally settling into consistent minutes. I'm happy for her success and every game she plays with a little more confidence.

The Ball State soccer team will be up for another big test Sunday, when it travels to Western Michigan for a 1 p.m. showdown at the WMU Soccer Complex.

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Team Stats

Avery Fenchel

Delaney Caldwell

Lexi Fraley

Emily Roper

Players Mentioned

Delaney Caldwell

Avery Fenchel

Lexi Fraley

Kaitlyn Fraser

Bethany Moser

Emily Roper

Players Mentioned

Delaney Caldwell

Avery Fenchel

Lexi Fraley

Kaitlyn Fraser

Bethany Moser

Emily Roper