Sunday, September 08, 2002

After 110 minutes in 90 degree heat, neither Valparaiso nor Evansville was able to find the back of the net on Sunday afternoon as the match ended in a 0-0 double-overtime tie at Eastgate Field.

In the opening half, Evansville outshot the Crusaders 11-4, but Jeff Oleck (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral H.S.) was able to knock away three shots to keep the match scoreless.

The two teams each tallied nine second half shots, but Ed Moore made four saves in net for the Purple Aces to send it into overtime. The Brown and Gold had the advantage for the final 3:30 of regulation and both overtime periods after Evansville's Richard Smith was sent off with a red card as a result of two yellows.

Oleck needed to make two saves in the first extra session as Evansville outshot Valpo 3-1, but the Crusaders held the upper hand 4-0 in the second overtime.

For the match, Evansville (3-0-1) outshot Valpo 23-18, but the Crusaders held an 8-7 advantage on corner kicks. Oleck and Moore each made six saves in the match. The Purple Aces were handed six yellow cards while the Crusaders accumulated three of their own.

Valparaiso (1-2-1) will return to action on Friday evening when the Crusaders host Wisconsin in a 5 p.m. match at Eastgate Field.