Friday, October 06, 2006

Valparaiso saw its school record eight-match winning streak come to an end on Friday evening as the Crusaders dropped a 1-0 decision to IPFW in Fort Wayne, Ind.

The Crusader offense could not find the back of the net against Mastodon goalkeeper Shannon Lynn, who made six saves in the shutout victory.

Valpo's defense hung tough yet again, marking the 12th time in 13 matches this year the Brown and Gold have allowed one goal or less. However, Jenna Tulley's goal on a rebound from Anika Apar's free kick with 25:49 remaining proved to be the match-winner for IPFW.

IPFW (3-7) outshot Valpo 16-11 in the match, but the Crusaders had a 7-1 edge in corner kick opportunities. Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.) made seven saves for the Crusaders in the loss.

Valparaiso (10-3) will return to Eastgate Field on Sunday afternoon as the Crusaders host Lewis. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m., with the match carried live on WVUR (95.1-FM, Valparaiso), and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics. Sunday is Senior Day, with the two Crusader seniors, Jen Bartels (Muskegon, Mich./Mona Shores H.S.) and Liberty Ziegahn (Anchorage, Alaska/Robert Service H.S.) being honored prior to kickoff.