Terre Haute, Ind. ? The last time the Indiana State soccer team defeated the Eastern Illinois Panthers (0-1-0) was back in 2002 ? six years ago. That all changed today when the Sycamores (1-0-0 overall) emerged victorious in sudden death overtime thanks to freshman Katie Geyman who registered her first collegiate goal in a Sycamore uniform. The goal was scored off Amanda Gogel's initial shot which was saved by EIU goalkeeper Jenny Williams. Williams blocked the ball but Geyman was there for the rebound to give the Sycamores a 1-0 win to open the regular-season on a high note.
The game was delayed almost 90 minutes due to lightning and thunderstorms that caused the power in the area to go out. Once the game kicked off, it was obvious the Sycamores not only came out to play, but to win. Things did not look good early for the home team as senior Alyssa Ramsey was sent off just 23 minutes into the game after receiving a red card, causing the Sycamores to play down a player the rest of the game. There was a total of seven cards (two red cards) given out and a combined 29 fouls between the two teams in a hard fought, physical game.
Freshman Alison Gasparovich gave the team their best scoring opportunity with 15:21 left to go in the first half. Gasparovich ripped a shot from just outside the 18-yard box that looked like it was going in but the opposing goalkeeper made a diving save to keep the Sycamores off the scoreboard. Gasparovich lead both teams with four shots-on-goal.
Indiana State had a chance to put the game away with about one minute left in regulation when the Sycamores were awarded a penalty pick after Gogel was taken down in the box and EIU's Rebecca Holcomb received a red card. Gasparovich took the PK but was denied again by Williams who made seven saves in the game.
It took just one minute and three seconds for the Sycamores to finish off the Panthers as Geyman scored the golden goal to ignite the ISU Soccer Complex. Head coach Vernon Croft credited each and every player for the win.
“The players deserve all the credit for this,” said an ecstatic Croft after the game. “Not only the players in the game but those on the bench too. It was a total team effort.”
The Sycamores outshot the Panthers 15-10 and also had the edge on corner kicks 6-1. Freshman Taylor Nelson recorded the shutout and had a solid five saves in her first regular-season collegiate outing.
The Sycamores will face the Cougars of SIU-Edwardsville this Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Come out and support Indiana State as it is Team/Camp Day and L.A.C.E.S Day. All youth soccer teams, in uniform, will be admitted FREE. Campers will also get in FREE! Don't let your team be left out. Bring soccer shoes, balls, etc. to the game to help support Life and Change Experienced thru Sports. The equipment will benefit approximately 400 impoverished children in war-affected youth in Liberia, West Africa every year. The girls will sign autographs on the field after the game.
