Indianapolis, Indiana - In its first match in over 450 days, Cleveland State could not shake off the offensive rust and dropped a 1-0 decision at IUPUI on Wednesday afternoon. The Vikings led shots on goal 3-2 in the opening half and controlled possession but were unable to convert on any chances.
QUOTE TO NOTE:
"Everything about this season-opening experience was fantastic, except for obviously the very important piece of getting a result. We had tough test hitting the road to play one of the best teams in the conference and traded punches from start to finish. I thought we were fantastic from the very beginning and some of our best chances were created in that first 15-20 minutes when we needed to get a goal. Without any exhibition or non-conference games, we still looked very organized and the system we are creating looked better than we could've expected with such little opportunity to prepare, compared to a normal season. We were able to give three freshmen a start and each played 75+ minutes and were excellent. The difference in the game was a moment, as is so often the case in these even matches played between two very good teams. While we created several good chances that were unable to capitalize on, IUPUI was able to finish one of theirs. I'm thrilled with the way our team competed. If that's the first step for a young group, and for so many new players in a brand new system, we are in a great place to keep growing throughout the semester and the results will certainly come." Head Coach Dallas Boyer
THE GAME:
The Jaguars peppered the Cleveland State net in the 58th minute to score the lone goal of the contest. After IUPUI sent in a cross, Vikings goalkeeper Stevie Holbrook made a point-blank save on Valentine Pursey. The rebound deflected to the feet of Kamryn Benscooter outside of the box. Benscooter launched a perfect ball to Autumn Weeks, who snuck a left-footed volley under the crossbar.
The Vikings put the pressure on the Jaguars over the final half hour of play, generating three corner kicks and a pair of shots on goal, but the IUPUI back line along with keeper AP Woodall held strong.
Cleveland State threatened in the final minutes of play when a corner deflected out to defender Ali Martin, but Martin was unable to find space in a crowded attacking third.
Kathryn Ramicone led the Vikings with a pair of shots on goal while Elena Gutlove fired two shots. Both Martin and Essence Canady played all 90 minutes for Cleveland State, which fell to 0-1 on the young campaign.
Holbrook finished the match with four saves while Woodall logged a four-save shutout for the Jaguars.
NEXT UP:
The Vikings continue their season next Wednesday (Feb. 10) with a home match against Wright State. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.
