Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Box Score 

           Playing on the turf at Portage High School after heavy rains prevented Valparaiso from competing at Eastgate Field, the Crusaders opened exhibition play on Tuesday afternoon dropping a 2-0 decision to Creighton.

            “We appreciate Portage’s gracious hospitality allowing us to get this match in,” Valpo head coach Stephen Anthony said.  “This was a good test against a very good team in Creighton, and it allowed us the opportunity to evaluate our program after several days of training.”

            The Bluejays jumped in front at the 12:27 mark when Macy Gans headed home a throw-in from Sam Russell that was bouncing around in the penalty area.  Four minutes later, Gans fed a pass to Jordan Bruch who scored from 10 yards out to put Creighton up 2-0 heading into intermission.

            Valpo played Creighton even throughout the second half, but neither team was able to push the ball across the goal line during the second 45 minutes of action. 

            “We have focused on defending thus far in practice and today was a good test for us to be under pressure,” Anthony said.  “It gives us something to build on heading into Evansville on Sunday.”

            The Bluejays outshot Valpo 8-5 for the match, with Mele Cabral (Boulder, Colo./Fairview H.S.) making the lone save for the Crusaders in the second half.  Kristen Casey made two saves between the posts for Creighton.

            Valpo will wrap up exhibition play on Sunday afternoon when the Crusaders travel to Evansville.  Kickoff against the Purple Aces is set for 1 p.m.