VALPARAISO, Ind. – Indiana State battled to the final whistle Sunday afternoon at Valparaiso, pulling level in the closing minutes before the Beacons answered late to claim a 2-1 Missouri Valley Conference victory.
The Sycamores were active from the opening whistle and created several early opportunities through Tori Angelo, Alex Lehnert, and Hailey Morgan. Indiana State earned multiple corner kicks and sustained attacking pressure throughout the first half, while goalkeeper Sofie Hansen recorded key saves to keep the match scoreless through the opening 45 minutes.
Valparaiso broke through in the 63rd minute when Martha Goddard found the back of the net to give the Beacons a 1-0 lead. Indiana State continued to push forward throughout the second half, generating chances from Meagyn Riffle, Morgan, Quinn Urquhart, and Lehnert as the Sycamores searched for an equalizer.
Indiana State's persistence paid off late in the match. In the 88th minute, Lehnert delivered a pass to Riffle, who finished a right-footed strike into the top right corner to even the score at 1-1. Following a VAR review, the goal stood and gave the Sycamores new energy entering the final minutes.
The match turned moments later when Valparaiso was awarded a penalty kick following a handball. Kiara Desiderio converted from the spot in the 89th minute, giving the Beacons advantage at 2-1. Indiana State created one final opportunity before the end of regulation, but Valparaiso's goalkeeper made the save to preserve the result.
How They Scored
63' — Valparaiso: Martha Goddard scored from inside the box. (VALPO 1-0)
88' — Indiana State: Meagyn Riffle scored with a right-footed shot to the top right, assisted by Alex Lehnert. (1-1)
89' — Valparaiso: Kiara Desiderio converted a penalty kick to the top left corner. (VALPO 2-1)
News & Notes
- Indiana State generated scoring chances throughout the match from Tori Angelo, Alex Lehnert, Hailey Morgan, Quinn Urquhart, and Meagyn Riffle.
- Riffle's 88th-minute goal marked Indiana State's lone tally of the afternoon and was assisted by Lehnert.
- Sofie Hansen recorded multiple saves, including first-half stops on shots from Martha Goddard and Lily Printz.
- The Sycamores erased a one-goal deficit with less than three minutes remaining before Valparaiso found the game-winner moments later.
- Indiana State earned several corner kick opportunities and continued to generate pressure throughout both halves.
Up Next
Indiana State returns home next weekend to continue Missouri Valley Conference play as the Sycamores look to bounce back in league action battling Evansville on October 3rd at 7 p.m. ET.
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