Saturday, September 13, 2008

Box Score

                Valparaiso and Northern Illinois played 110 minutes on a rainy afternoon in DeKalb, Ill. but neither team was able to find the back of the net as the two schools finished with a 0-0 draw.

                “I thought today’s match was great preparation for our conference schedule,” head coach John Marovich said.  “Northern Illinois is very athletic and played intense soccer.”

                Mele Cabral (Boulder, Colo./Fairview H.S.) made all four of her saves during the first half on the way to recording her fourth shutout of the season. 

                The Huskies held a 5-4 advantage in shot attempts over the first 45 minutes but outshot Valpo 5-0 in the second half.  The Crusaders had several chances in overtime, forcing Northern Illinois goalkeeper Lindsey Curnock to make three of her four stops during the extra session.

                The two schools played the final 24 minutes, including both overtimes, 10-on-10 as the result of a red cards which were issued to both teams.

                “He had chances early but didn’t capitalize and then it became a war,” added Marovich.  “I’m proud of our effort.  I’d love to have gotten a win, but pleased with a tie on the road.”

                Northern Illinois (3-0-2) finished the match with a 13-7 shot advantage and a 5-3 edge on corner kick opportunities.

                Valparaiso (4-1-1) will close its three-match road trip on Sunday afternoon in Fort Wayne, Ind. with a 2 p.m. CDT contest against IPFW.

Match Notes: Cabral’s fourth shutout of the season ties Rose Holtkamp (2001) for fifth place on Valpo’s single season shutout list … Cabral now has six career shutouts, moving into third place alone in school history … this was the sixth 0-0 draw in school history … Northern Illinois holds the all-time series advantage 6-0-1.