INDIANAPOLIS - The IUPUI women's soccer team got first half goals from Caroline Kelley and Cassie Rodriguez and ultimately played Cleveland State to a 2-2 draw at Michael A. Carroll Stadium on Sunday (Sept. 17). The Jaguars conceded a pair of second half goals in the draw, but extended their unbeaten streak to five straight, going 3-0-2 in their past five outings.

It marked IUPUI's second straight draw to open the Horizon League season. 

"I just don't think we brought the energy we needed to be successful in our conference," head coach Chris Johnson said. "The goal is to finish in the top three or four in our conference this year and we are not putting forth the effort level it takes to be successful out here. 

"I think they thought that Cleveland State was going to fold up shop and go home and credit to them, they came out in the second half and wanted it more than we did."

IUPUI (6-2-2, 0-0-2 HL) drew first blood and built a 2-0 halftime lead, albeit on just five shot attempts. Kelley scored in the 19th minute off a brilliant combination from Emily Tobin and Emma Antoine setting up the score. Tobin took possession near midfield and played Antoine out wide, who centered to Kelley for her fourth score of the year. 

In the 36th minute, Rodriguez tallied her first score of the year off an assist from Cassie Renner. Renner recycled Jessica Jacobs corner kick from the back post, centering a pass to Rodriguez who scored from in close. 

The Jaguars just missed building on the lead early in the second half when Shannon Ott had a pair of golden chances in the 52nd minute. She had an initial header ping off the crossbar and then a rebound attempt fly wide of target. 

Cleveland State (3-5-1, 0-1-1 HL) cut the lead in half in the 53rd minute when Erica Leinweber's volley snuck past Ashton Kudlo, who had stumbled in retreating to her back line. The Vikings then tied the score in the 63rd minute on Rylee Bussen's header of Kathryn Ramicone's restart after a foul deep in IUPUI territory. 

CSU had the better run of play down the stretch, but couldn't get anything else past Kudlo, who finished with a season-high seven saves. CSU finished with a 19-12 shot advantage and 9-4 margin in shots on goal. 

Ott led IUPUI with three shot attempts and Sam Slimak had two from her midfield spot. 

"If we want to be successful, we've got to own our home field and that means three points every time we step on the field here at home," Johnson said. "We did not show that here today."

IUPUI will remain home to host Detroit Mercy on Thursday night (Sept. 21) at 6:00 p.m. at Michael A. Carroll Stadium. That match will be broadcast on ESPN+ as Jonathan Matthes (pxp) will be on the call.