Senior April Cronin (Glenview, Ill./Glenbrook South) evened up the Valparaiso University women’s soccer team’s match at Wright State Saturday evening less than two minutes into the second half, but the Raiders scored with less than 15 minutes to play to claim a 2-1 win in a matchup of the league’s top two teams in the standings.
How It Happened
- Wright State struck first in the 20th minute, as Aaliyah Patten connected on her third goal of the season.
- Cronin leveled the match in the 47th minute for the Crusaders, finding the back of the net for the seventh time this year.
- But the Raiders found the match-winner in the 76th minute, as Kelsey Sedlock tallied her first goal of the season to give Wright State the win.
- The Crusaders put a pair of shots on frame in an attempt to tie the match once again, but Wright State goalkeeper Katie Ruff saved both efforts.
Inside the Match
- Cronin extended her team-high goal total to seven with the early second-half tally, matching her total from last season and tied for eighth-most in a single season in program history.
- Cronin’s 17 points are also tied for 10th in a single season all-time at Valpo.
- Valpo edged Wright State in total shots, 9-7, and put six efforts on goal to the Raiders’ four. Tess Barrett (Tinley Park, Ill./Providence Catholic) made a pair of saves in goal for the Crusaders.
Thoughts From Head Coach John Marovich
“The result is tough tonight, because we did a lot of real positive things. Unfortunately, Wright State did a few more than us to earn the result.”
“Our group did a great job of responding to the Wright State goal. We came right out of the break and got it back with some quality off our movement, creating an opportunity for April.”
“It’s great to see April back on the scoresheet, and we had several players who put in quality performances tonight – performances which should lead to continued improvement down the stretch in league action. We need to stay focused on getting as many points possible out of each match, which is what makes the Horizon League so exciting.”
Next Up
The Crusaders (7-7-0, 3-2-0 Horizon) return home to Brown Field Saturday evening, Oct. 15, to host Youngstown State. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.