Saturday, October 21, 2006

Despite Jon Brighton's (Warner Robins, Ga./Houston County) fourth goal of the season, Valparaiso could not come away with a victory Saturday in Kansas City, Mo., losing a key Mid-Con battle to UMKC, 2-1.

The Crusaders trailed 1-0 at the half to the Kangaroos, who got on the board early in the first half when Bryan Peres found the back of the net during a scramble after a corner kick.

Brighton put Valpo on the board in the 53rd minute, knocking a shot through traffic and past Kangaroo keeper Brandon Amaya to the back post. The tally was the 16th of Brighton's career, moving him into a tie for eighth on Valpo's all-time list in the category.

UMKC would answer in the 67th minute, however, as Joe Chirco headed in a free kick for the eventual margin of victory.

Ryan Schwarz stopped eight shots in net for the Crusaders, while Amaya made four stops for UMKC (4-11-1, 3-2-0 Mid-Con). The Kangaroos out-shot Valpo, 18-14, while the Brown and Gold held the edge in corner kicks, 8-3.

Valparaiso (7-8-0, 2-3-0 Mid-Con) returns to Eastgate Field for the final time this season on Wednesday, October 25th, as the Crusaders take on Eastern Illinois in a non-conference tilt at 3 p.m. The Brown and Gold will be honoring eight members of their team as part of Senior Day festivities. All of the action can be heard live on WVUR, 95.1 FM, and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics.