CLEVELAND -
The IU Indianapolis women's soccer team fell on the road at Cleveland State on Thursday night (Oct. 1), 1-0, on a Viking second half goal. Offensively, the Jaguars generated 20 shots, including seven on goal, and held Cleveland St. to 12 shots, to no avail. It marked a third straight game with at least 20 shot attempts, but the Jags were shut out for just the fourth time this season and first time in Horizon League play.
Cleveland State (2-8-1, 2-1-1 HL) got the winner off the boot of Elise Boyd in the 65th minute as she belted a shot off the underside of the crossbar and over the line for the evening's only offense. CSU thought they had taken an early lead in the game's 12th minute, but Cortlyn Hefty's apparent goal was nullified due to an offsides call.
After a slow start, IU Indy (3-7-2, 1-3 HL) was feisty throughout, continually gaining possession in the attacking end. However, more attempts were muddled than put on frame, leading a frustrating outcome in the first league road match of the campaign.
Sophomore
Anika Guenther was a primary attacking piece in the second half, stretching the field with her speed off the bench. In the final 10 minutes, the Jaguars had golden opportunities, initially when
Madeline Chappa was awarded a free kick at the top of the 18 in the 83rd minute. After her restart was recycled,
Olivia Hopper got in behind the CSU defense, but had her shot roll harmlessly wide of target. Less than a minute later, Chappa had a brilliant strike from the right side hit the crossbar and carom back onto the field of play.
Chappa had a team-high four shot attempts while
Caroline Kelley and
Maci Sammons had three apiece. Sophomore
Isabel Oferosky finished with five saves in suffering her first defeat of the season.
Up next, the Jags will visit Purdue Fort Wayne on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 1 p.m. on ESPN+.
