It was the first home game of the 2007 season for the Indiana State University soccer team, and it turned out to be a good one. The Sycamores defeated Eastern Kentucky University 2-1 at the ISU Soccer Complex to pick up their first win of the year.
Senior Sarah Whiteley put the ball in the goal within the first three minutes of play to give the Sycamores the 1-0 advantage. It was her first goal of the season. The Colonels of Eastern Kentucky quickly answered back with a shot to the lower, right corner that got past ISU goalkeeper Rachel Rudzis. Alex Hartwick was credited with the goal in the sixth minute.
The score remained tied at one a piece going into halftime. Indiana State out-shot Eastern Kentucky 8-4 in the first half.
The Sycamores came out hungry in the second half, but were unable to finish on several chances. EKU's Shannon McCarty almost slipped one past the Sycamore defense, but her shot was deflected off the post. It wasn't until the 82nd minute of the game that the Sycamores took the lead. Meaghan Gaffney found three-time All-MVC performer Lauren Podolski, who blasted the game-winner in the upper, right corner of the goal.
Head coach Vernon Croft spoke of his team's effort after the game. “Everyone gave something today,” said Croft. “I have never been a part of a game where it took every single person to win. Every player was a part of the game today and helped us win.”
The Sycamores had 13 shots-on-goal compared to six for EKU. The all-time series between Indiana State and Eastern Kentucky is now tied at 1-1. The Sycamores improve their record to 1-3, while the Colonels drop to 0-2-1.
ISU will take the field next when they face Butler University on Tuesday, September 11, at 4:00 p.m. The game will be played at home at the ISU Soccer Complex. The Sycamores are 2-3 against the Bulldogs, who were chosen fourth in the Pre-Season Horizon League Poll.
