SPORTS: Women's Soccer Draws Valparaiso

by Brad Mannix

Photo by Rachel Hale

An impressive goal by Alicia Brock off a set-piece assist from Chelsea McHenry propelled the IUPUI Lady Jaguars team to a 1-1 tie with the visiting Valparaiso Crusaders on “Pack the House Night” at Kuntz Memorial Stadium.

IUPUI had fallen behind early in the second half after a 48th-minute goal by Valparaiso midfielder Rachel Hoaglin, but the Jaguars were able to even the tally after a foul by the visiting team set up a McHenry free kick from 30 yards out. She was able to gracefully arc the ball over several Crusader defenders to a waiting Brock, who kicked a scorcher into the back of the net.

The goal and subsequent change in pace was preceded by a lethargic first half by the Lady Jags, which worried IUPUI Head Coach Chris Johnson.

“I thought we came out a little slow in the first half and I thought we could have done a little better at that point in time, but once we got things going and in the right direction I thought we were really dangerous. We worked on set-pieces in practice this week, so the preparation definitely paid off in that regard.”

The Crusaders were able to dominate early on with an attacking pace while controlling possession, helped by numerous Jaguar turnovers. Their 4-4-2 formation led to numerous attacks on the net and led to 4 shots on goal in the first half. Valparaiso’s best chance for a goal came at the 31st-minute mark when midfielder Luisa Desario displayed some magnificent dribbling and ball control to get a clear shot outside the 18-yard box but her attempt sailed well over the cross-bar.

Photo by Rachel Hale

The score remained tied 0-0 at halftime, followed by the Hoaglin goal to start the second half but it was after they fell behind that the Jaguars picked up the pace.

“We came back and were 11 to 10 with shots on goal in the second half, so we definitely played well after that Valpo goal. That being said, we got to be a little more efficient with our chances and opportunities out there. I like what the kids are doing, especially in the last half, but we’re just not getting too many breaks right now so we need to take advantage of the ones we do get.”

Johnson subbed early and often throughout the match to keep his team on the attack. Despite the change in pace being the Jaguars favor, the match remained tied 1-1 at the end of regulation.

Valparaiso came out attacking in the first overtime with multiple possessions in IUPUI’s side of the pitch. The only clear-cut opportunity to score came in the two minutes after the first overtime kick-off when a potential game-winning goal was thwarted by defender Sammi Deer after she cleared the ball inches away from a wide-open net.

“Sammi’s a great defender out there for us; she works hard the entire game and has great speed. That’s why you put people on the post during corner kicks is to help you out and she definitely came out and saved a goal right there.”

The tie brings the Lady Jaguars’ record to 1-3-2 with their next match being in Kent, Ohio, against Kent State. Their next match is the start of six game road-stand which means the Jags won’t see the friendly confines of Kuntz Memorial until an Oct. 7 match against North Dakota State.

INDIANAPOLIS

Valpo 0 1 (0 0) - 1

IUPUI 0 1 (0 0) - 1