DAYTON, Ohio - Ashton Kudlo was masterful, Lindsey Castillo was opportunistic and the IUPUI women's soccer team was rewarded with an emphatic 1-0 road win over previously unbeaten Dayton on Thursday night (Sept. 7). Kudlo delivered five saves, including stopping a penalty kick early in the second half, and Castillo found the back of the net in the 58th minute to help the Jaguars improve to 5-2 to start the season. 

Dayton (5-1-1), ranked No. 4 in the East Region with wins over Cincinnati and Louisville, was unable to crack the IUPUI defense, despite an 18-6 shot advantage and 12-2 margin on corner kicks. Kudlo was the one consistent cog working behind a patchwork defensive line that shuffled bodies throughout the evening. 

"It felt really good to knock out an undefeated, ranked team," Kudlo said. "It was a great effort from every player. Our team is still facing some adversity, but everyone really stepped up today. It was a great feeling all around!"

Both goalkeepers benefited from the woodwork in a scoreless first half as Dayton had a shot rip off the left post and Cassie Rodriguez had a brilliant header tick off the bar in the 17th minute. 

Dayton earned a penalty kick in the 48th minute when an attacker snuck in behind the back line and was free and clear against Kudlo before being knocked to the ground. However, Kudlo made it inconsequential with a sprawling save to her right against UD's Laney Huber. 

IUPUI made the most of a rare second half scoring chance in the 58th minute when Caroline Kelley played the speedy Emma Antoine into space on the right side. Antoine put an attempt on target that UD's Maddie Crosbie cast aside. However, the rebound came free to Castillo, an Ohio-native, who slotted a shot just inside the post of the open net for her second score in as many games. 

"It was super exciting to get a game-winning goal in my home state," Castillo said. "I'm so proud of our team effort tonight to beat a competitive opponent. This was a good win for us to carry into conference play."

From there, the IUPUI defense had to weather a storm, both literally and figuratively, as hard rains pelted Baujan Field down the stretch. Kudlo repeatedly cut down the Flyers' angles and patrolled the 18-yard box during tense moments and garnered help from a group of defenders that included Emily Tobin, Kailyn Smith and Sarah Henson.

Tobin and Smith played all 90 minutes while Caroline Kelley split her 85 minutes between a forward and center back spot. Henson also played 85 minutes along the back line. 

The Jaguars will return to action on Sunday (Sept. 10) when they host Lindenwood University at Carroll Stadium at 1:00 p.m. That match will be broadcast on ESPN+ and is the first-ever meeting between the two programs.