Sunday, September 23, 2007

Box Score

            Saint Mary’s (Calif.) scored a goal midway through overtime on Sunday afternoon, ending Valparaiso’s string of unbeaten overtime contests at 16 dating back to the 2003 season.

            Alex Ciliento scored from 12 yards out at the 95:35 mark off a shot that came as a result of a Gael corner kick.  Allie Weiner and Jessica Munzhueber earned the assists as Saint Mary’s improves to 3-2-2 on the season.

            Valpo had been 9-0-7 in overtime matches dating back over the past five years.

            The teams played a scoreless 90 minutes of regulation with the Gaels holding just a slim 8-6 advantage in shots through that point.  Erin Murray (Pleasanton, Calif./Amador Valley H.S.) made two saves for the Crusaders while Tara Larson was forced to make three stops for the hosts.

            Valpo held a 3-2 edge in corner kick opportunities, but it was Saint Mary’s that would capitalize on this day.

            “I was pleased with how we adjusted in the match today,” Valpo head coach Stephen Anthony said.  “We did a good job eliminating their wide players and making the play predictable for our backs.” 

            Valparaiso (5-4) will return home on Friday afternoon to host Indiana State in the final non-conference match of the year.  Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. at Eastgate Field with all the action being carried live on WVUR (95.1-FM, Valparaiso) and online at www.valpo.edu/athletics.