Katie Gaal
GoSycamores.Com
April 20, 2009
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. ? The Indiana State women's soccer team was in action this past weekend as they visited the Hoosiers of Indiana University and the Crusaders of Valparaiso. The Sycamores had a solid showing in both contests that left the ISU coaching staff with optimistic thoughts despite a 2-1 loss to the Hoosiers but was followed up with a 2-0 shutout over the Crusaders.
“We are very pleased with how the girls are performing,” said Indiana State Head Coach Erika True. “Our defensive organization has improved significantly over the last few weeks of training and we are looking forward to seeing the girls in their last spring contest on Saturday versus IPFW.”
This past Saturday Indiana State squared off against Indiana University in Bloomington where True formally served as the assistant coach for the Hoosiers, a team that did not lose any seniors at the end of the fall and who played with a full squad against the Sycamores. IU jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half on Sycamore defensive miscues that the Hoosiers took full advantage of. However, Indiana State fought back and got a late goal from Morgan Wendlandt off a set piece for an eventual 2-1 loss. Katlin Owens served the ball into the 18 yard box that Wendlandt finished on the back side of the goal. The previous two times that Indiana State has faced IU the Sycamores have been shutout 4-0.
On Sunday, the Sycamores visited the campus of Valparaiso University to play the Crusaders, a team they haven't beat since before the 2005-06 spring season. Well that all changed on Sunday when the Sycamores shutout the Crusaders 2-0 after scoring a goal in each half. Jessica Rosenberg moved the mesh with two minutes left to play in the first half when she beat a couple defenders down the right said and then caught the Valpo goalkeeper off her line and crossed the ball into the net for the 1-0 lead. In the second half, Lara Hall found Seyma Erenli near the box who hit a one-touch chip over the keeper to secure the 2-0 Sycamore victory.
In goal, Emily Lahay lasted all 90 minutes to preserve the shutout. The Crusaders had a few opportunities to score but Lahay did a great job of organizing the Sycamore defensive shape to keep their opponent out of the net.
The Sycamores will round out their spring schedule this Saturday, April 25, at home when they host the IPFW Mastodons at 3:00 p.m. EST.
