A late first-half penalty kick proved to be the difference on Sunday evening, as the Valparaiso University women’s soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision at Belmont.

How It Happened

• Both teams had a number of first-half efforts at goal, as Belmont totaled eight shots in the opening 45 minutes and Valpo six.
• Despite the number of attempts, the match looked like it would go into halftime scoreless before a foul call against Valpo in the penalty area in the 44th minute. Belmont’s Gentry Davis converted the spot kick to give the Bruins the 1-0 lead.
• Valpo pushed in search of the equalizer in the second half, recording eight shot attempts – three of which were on goal. But the Brown and Gold were unable to level the match.

Inside the Match

• The start of the match was pushed back four hours to 6 p.m. early on Sunday morning with inclement weather in the forecast.
• The 1-0 result was the first-such result of the year against Valpo, after it dropped four matches by a 1-0 score last season.
• Both sides finished the match with 14 shots. Valpo put seven on goal, all of which were saved by Belmont goalkeeper Lily Herman, while sophomore Kezia Gesell (Winnipeg, Manitoba/Glenlawn Collegiate Institute) made five saves for Valpo.

Thoughts From Coach Marovich

“I’m really happy with our resolve tonight – we never let the adversity of the PK affect our performance. That was a major improvement from Friday night, and it showed with how we developed a really good rhythm in our possession.”

“The takeaway from this weekend is, when we keep possession and find pockets of space, it yields scoring opportunities.  The challenge tonight, as well as Friday, was we didn’t put away the ball. So, we never put the other team under the stress of being behind.”

“It is a difficult mental challenge when you have to chase the game, as we did this weekend, after having moments when you could have taken the lead. These experiences and challenges are building our strength to persevere, which will continue to make us battle-tested as we prepare for Valley matches.”

Next Up

Valpo (2-4-1) faces its final test before the start of MVC play next Sunday afternoon as it travels to Indianapolis to face IUPUI. Kickoff is slated for noon CT.