Sept. 13, 2009

Box Score

MUNCIE, Ind. -- Ball State scored two goals in the first 20 minutes Sunday and held on for a 3-2 victory over Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in women's college soccer.

SIUE coach Derek Burton said he didn't want be repetitive. To him, SIUE, now 0-4, gave up a early goal and then went on to dominate the second half.

"It was their home opener so they were strong out of the gate," said Burton.

Ball State's Paige Stroinski put the Cardinals up just 1:49 into the game with a shot from six yards out. Maggie Brown put Ball State up 2-0 at 19:27 when she slipped one past SIUE goalkeeper Claire Lovercheck.

The Cougars, 1-5, lost its "uptightness" in the second half when Chelsey Johnston scored her first goal of the season unassisted. Johnston swept past a Ball State defender and hit a shot low past the hands of BSU goalkeeper Nicole Wood at 57:18. It was SIUE's first goal of the season.

"I was really pleased with the passion that Chelsey Johnston has shown. She played a super, super game, and that's the example we need for this team," said Burton.

The Cougars outshot Ball State 11-9, including a 9-4 advantage in the second half.

Ball State regained its two-goal lead at 65:26 when Megan Ridley scored her third goal of the season off a free kick from Jacki Eft.

SIUE responded at 68:43 when Kiara Akpore bested Wood and then passed off to Kristin Dierker, who tapped it in.

The Cougars collected four corner kicks in the final eight minutes of the game but weren't able to connect with the game-tying goal.

"It is definitely something to build on," said Burton. "This is a great stepping off point. I think the team understands what it needs to do."

SIUE returns home Thursday to face Indiana State. Game time is 7 p.m. at Korte Stadium.

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